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.

[logs22]

Originally Posted by AndyS

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.

[JDTuna]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by JDTuna

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!! I'd go north for the air. 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!!!