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]

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.