Early October fishing destinations?

[Skunk City]

Looking to get out of NJ the first week of October for my birthday and need some ideas. Looking for some East Coast fishing destinations within a days drive of NNJ and kayak friendly. Being that I've fished both the Marco Island, FL. area and Indian River Lagoon, FL. area, they are both at the top of my list as of now. Redfish, Trout, Tarpon and Snook from the yak definitely peak my interest, but I know there are locations far north of Central/Southern Florida where I could target them in a backwater area.

Any suggestions? Again, I am leaning towards somewhere south of NJ, as I will be getting my cool water fix from late October through ice out here at home.

[AndyS]

West Branch Delaware river in Hancock NY.

[ScowardNJ]

Can't beat the Florida Keys.

[FASTEDDIE29]

I 2nd the Keys! So many fishing options in a small area it's mind boggling! If you want Redfish head to NC!

[MattK]

Early October grab an 8 wt fly pole and hit the salmon river!

[Jigman13]

Launch the yak off montauk pt and wear a riot shield while banging 25-40 lb stripers all day until your arms fall off.

[bunker dunker]

2nd what jigman says"go to Montauk".October up there is great

[23cardinal]

Keys are nice- Chesapeake bay is nice
Nc is nice- some of those big river impoundments hold some huge fish

[kcritch]

Check out the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound area of North Carolina from the New Bern area out to Moorehead city. It is a huge water system with tons of backwater as well as big water. Not sure of where the reds are in October but I know that is a good fishery for them. Also the Pamlico River a bit north of there but I'm not as familiar with that area. Closer to home the James River around and just south of Richmond VA is Big Blue Cat heaven. Again its a big river system with all kinds of tribs and back water type stuff.

[JDTuna]

Looking to get out of NJ the first week of October for my birthday and need some ideas. Looking for some East Coast fishing destinations within a days drive of NNJ and kayak friendly. Being that I've fished both the Marco Island, FL. area and Indian River Lagoon, FL. area, they are both at the top of my list as of now. Redfish, Trout, Tarpon and Snook from the yak definitely peak my interest, but I know there are locations far north of Central/Southern Florida where I could target them in a backwater area.

Any suggestions? Again, I am leaning towards somewhere south of NJ, as I will be getting my cool water fix from late October through ice out here at home.

I would avoid the Indian River right now with water quality issues. October is the start of the mullet run in South Florida. Tarpon, snook, jacks, sharks etc will all be smashing bait from Palm Beach to Biscayne Bay. Great fishing. Also, Flamingo (southern tip of FL) is a great kayaking spot (bring a gps) for snook, tarpon, jacks, sharks, redfish and seatrout.

[23cardinal]

I would avoid the Indian River right now with water quality issues. October is the start of the mullet run in South Florida. Tarpon, snook, jacks, sharks etc will all be smashing bait from Palm Beach to Biscayne Bay. Great fishing. Also, Flamingo (southern tip of FL) is a great kayaking spot (bring a gps) for snook, tarpon, jacks, sharks, redfish and seatrout.

My dad is in Stuart- he said even the sailfish and mahi fishing it down some- the water off okechobee is awful - +100 for the mullet run
I ve heard the west coast(Tampa to panhandle ) has nice seatrout too

[Esox Luciano]

Damn dude, trying to go south!!:eek::eek: I'd go north for the air.:D Vermont actually has some really good fisheries.

While reading some of the responses, i started thinking about the trip Lard (L.A.) posted on the Potomac targeting blue cats with his father I believe. Sounded like a cool trip to me!!Good luck wherever you decide upon!!!

[Mikey topaz]

I didnt know your leash was that long skunk😝

[team heat]

Check out the freshwater fishing capital of the world.Its Massena New York.You can fish on the Mohawk Nation that has 5 small rivers that flow into the ST Lawrence seaway.Huge smallmouth bass,Trophy walleye,northern pike,and best of all big muskie on a very small river casting like you would do for largemouth bass.Forgot to mention the great largemouth bass fishing also.check out the you tube videos.You need a guide to fish indian land so pm me and ill send you his name.Good luck.

[bassnblues]

Can't beat Montauk in October. Second choice would be Oriental NC.

[Delawareriver]

Dude the options are endless. October means water cooling and fish of all sorts are migrating and putting the feed bag on. Excellent suggestions already. Keys would be sweet, Potomac river would be a blast for monster blue cats, cave run lake in kentucky should be on fire for muskies, lots of options in new York state with the st Lawrence being near the top. Most years salmon river would be chalk full of kings cohos steelhead and browns but the salmon run has been off the last two years and watching lake reports its looking like another slow year. Really anywhere you go should be excellent that time if the year tho

[logs22]

West Branch Delaware river in Hancock NY.

I second Andy's suggestion. If you don't want to go all the way to Hancock the river in the Barryville area is great and there are also some nice lakes/ponds just up the road in Eldred and Glen Spey. I love Sullivan County NY, great smallmouth, largemouth and trout fishing.

[Inishmore3]

Go to Lake Gaston in North Carolina. You will love it. Or the many lakes in the Catskills. Oneida Lake is another suggestion.