Fort Myers-Naples Area Sees Increased Redfish Schooling Activity During ‘Red October’

Fort Myers Naples, FL, October 8, 2026 — Anglers in the Fort Myers-Naples region are reporting a notable increase in redfish schooling activity as the ‘Red October’ period continues. The fish are primarily being observed congregating on inshore flats, along oyster bars, and near mangrove edges, providing significant opportunities for local fishermen.

This season’s schooling patterns appear to be more pronounced than in previous years, according to recent observations. While the concentration of larger redfish is often found closer to passes such as Captiva and Boca Grande, the overall number of schooling fish spotted across various inshore habitats has been a key highlight for those venturing out.

In addition to the abundance of schooling redfish, the waters nearshore are also presenting opportunities to encounter substantial snook. Reports indicate that these larger snook are frequently found around nearshore reefs, adding another attraction for anglers targeting different species in the area.

The ‘Red October’ timeframe is a period when redfish, known for their resilience and popularity among sport fishermen, become more predictable in their behavior and location, especially in the shallower waters of the Gulf Coast.

Story summarized from the original created by Michael on www.capecoralbreeze.com, see more information here.