Check out what’s in the October 2011 issue.
There’s no stopping the Florida Sportsman, not for tropical storms, nor cold fronts, nor lingering blood-sucking skeeters spawned of summer rains. Who’s that dazzling young face on the October issue? You’ll want to find out, and you’ll want to know how to catch that fish she’s holding: a delicious tripletail. The award-winning editors of Florida’s longest-running outdoors journal pull out all the stops this month to reveal secrets for enjoyable boating, hunting, freshwater fishing, bluewater action and flats thrills. (And, if you like what you read in the October issue, let us know in person, at the FS Fishing Show in Tampa, Sept. 24-25.)
Inshore
No whining about the wind! It’s October, after all. Veteran fishing writer Doug Kelly consults his logbook and those of statewide experts to render a 5-step plan for catching fish in blustery fall weather. It’s a must-read, whether you’re fishing Tampa Bay, the Indian River Lagoon, the flats of Islamorada, east coast inlets or anywhere in between. And, just when you thought there was nothing new under the Florida sun: Jointed plugs. Frank Sargeant gives the scoop on a new family of hardbaits hitting our waters.
Offshore
Kingfish are dependable along both Florida coasts this month, but their migrations mean overnight changes in abundance and feeding habits. Find out how to tackle those lean, mean eating machines from the deep reefs to the inlets and passes. Also, in the Offshore Seminar, Destin billfish expert Corky Decker makes a case for logging your strikes-to-hookups, as well as other helpful details.
Freshwater
In Florida, you’re never far from great largemouth bass fishing. That’s even true for our major metropolitan areas. Writer Larry Larsen–an award-winning, multi-decade chronicler of bass fishing in Florida—takes us on a tour of A-list waters right in the backyards of Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville and Orlando. Larsen delivers a season-by-season breakdown, best boat ramps, stories of epic catches—it’s all here.
Hunting
Nothing like a southern-style quail hunt, complete with well-trained pointers and retrievers, a fine shotgun, and coveys of fast-flying birds. Finding the best areas for bobwhite quail season, which runs Nov. 12-Mar. 4, requires some legwork and networking. David Brown recounts a day afield at the famous Gilchrist Club.
Conservation Front
California and Florida anglers have more in common than they realize. Both coasts are now riddled with recreational fishing closures, and it appears more are on the way. Don’t miss this important piece of journalism by FS Editor Jeff Weakley. Jeff traveled all the way to southern California to meet with sportfishing rights advocates, and he found stern warnings we all need to hear. It’s a must-read background story, as you’re checking the FS Forums South General and Conservation for daily updates on a proposed 10,000-acre closure for Biscayne National Park.
Action Spotter
Where to go for epic bonefish action in the Florida Keys? Which piers in South Florida to tangle with pompano? How to fish the shorelines in the Big Bend? These are the kinds of local secrets revealed by our exclusive network of Field Reporters in the October Action Spotter. Pictures of your neighbors with their stories of giant wahoo and red drum? Check ’em out—they’re in print!
© 2011 InterMedia Outdoors