September is the month the Hudson Beach FL coast really turns on for anglers. The water is finally cooling, the summer crowds have cleared, snook season has reopened, and the fall mullet run is starting to show off the Hudson Florida shoreline. If you have been waiting for the best inshore fishing of the year, it is here. This is your early September fishing report for the Pasco County coast from your local guide, Kathleen Paglaiccetti.
Big News: Snook Season Is Open Again
The headline for the month came on September 1, when snook harvest season reopened across the Florida Gulf coast Tampa Bay region, including the waters we fish here in Pasco County. After a summer of catch-and-release while they spawned, you can now keep one snook per day, 28 to 33 inches, through the fall window. Local anglers have been eager for this all summer, and the fish have been feeding hard along the beaches and mangrove shorelines of Hudson Beach FL. For the full rundown of dates, slots, and regulations, see my September community update.
What's Biting Right Now on the Hudson Beach FL Coast
September is a peak month for several species along the Gulf coast, and the charter captains out of Hudson Marina are reporting a healthy mix of targets. Here is what is happening:
September Species Report
- Kingfish · September is prime season for king mackerel on the nearshore waters off Hudson Beach FL. Fast, acrobatic, and excellent table fare, they make for an exciting day on the water.
- Tarpon & Cobia · Both are showing in the fall mix off the Pasco County coast. Tarpon remain catch-and-release along the Gulf coast, so enjoy the fight and let them go.
- Redfish & Snook · The inshore pair is best in the very early morning and again late in the afternoon as the water cools. Look for them on the flats, around docks, and along the mangrove shorelines of Hudson Florida.
- Mangrove Snapper, Spanish Mackerel & Lane Snapper · The tropical species are biting well on nearshore reefs and around structure, offering fast action and great dinners for the cooler.
The Fall Mullet Run Has Begun
The thing locals get most excited about this time of year is the fall mullet run. As the water cools and baitfish migrate along the shore, the mullet push down the coast in thick schools, and every predator in the gulf follows them. When you see the water churn and the birds dive, you know the action is underneath. Keep an eye on the Hudson Florida shoreline and the passes, where the bait stacks up and the big fish wait.
The mullet run also sets the schedule around here. Watch the bait, watch the birds, and be ready to move when you see a slick. This is the season where patience pays off, and a little local knowledge goes a long way on the Pasco County coast.
Prime Window
The calmest water and the most active redfish and snook feeding. Beat the afternoon storms and the heat by getting out early on the Hudson Beach FL flats.
Evening Bite
Once the thunderstorms clear, the bite picks up again around 5:00 PM. Sunset fishing near the passes and dock lights can be excellent this month.
Fishing Tip from Kathleen: Live pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp are the baits producing in September. White bucktail jigs and natural-colored soft plastics also work well on the flats. And do not forget your Florida saltwater fishing license, available online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. For shore options and the best launch points, read our complete fishing spots guide.
Beach & Water Conditions This Week
The water along Hudson Beach FL is holding in the low 80s, warm enough to swim, paddle, and wade comfortably. Mornings are flat calm and nearly empty now that the school year has started, while the beaches belong to whoever shows up. The afternoon thunderstorms are shorter and less intense than they were in July, but they still roll through most days, so plan your paddling and fishing for the early windows.
For the calmest water and the best paddle, launch from SunWest Park or Hudson Beach in the morning. The grass flats that were crowded with scallopers all summer are quiet again, which makes them prime fishing and paddling grounds right now.
Still Time to Scallop in Hernando County
If you still have the scalloping itch, the Hernando County zone remains open through September 24, a longer season than the Pasco County window that closed August 18. The grass flats near the Weeki Wachee River mouth are a short drive south from Hudson Beach FL and offer excellent conditions for one last scallop trip this month.
What's Happening for Labor Day Weekend in Pasco County
Labor Day falls on Monday, September 7, and the Pasco County coast has a full weekend lined up. Here are the highlights I am most excited about:
End of Summer Spectacular at Sims Park
A family-friendly Labor Day weekend event in New Port Richey with water slides, bounce houses, a touch-a-truck, giveaways, and games, plus an outdoor movie screening. Great for the whole family and just a short drive from Hudson Beach FL.
City of New Port RicheyTurnstiles: A Billy Joel Tribute
A high-energy Billy Joel tribute show at the historic Richey Suncoast Theatre on Grand Boulevard in Pasco County. Tickets run about $30 to $40, a fun evening out on the coast.
Live Music at Overtime Sports Bar & Grill
Chas Collins plays live at Overtime Sports Bar & Grill right here in Hudson, Florida. A great spot to cap off a day on the water with friends and neighbors.
For the full calendar of what is coming up this month, including the Comedy Night at the Elks Lodge on September 19 and the Hudson Fall Festival on September 27, check our events page, which I keep updated as new happenings get announced.
Plan a Trip With a Local Charter
September is a wonderful time to book a charter out of Hudson Marina. The inshore flats are fishing well, the nearshore kings are running, and the captains have more room in their schedules than they did in July. You can find vetted local charter services on our fishing guide, and many captains also offer snorkeling trips to the artificial reefs off the Hudson Beach FL coast.
The Bottom Line: Early September on the Hudson Beach FL coast is prime fishing season. Snook is open, kingfish and tarpon are in the mix, the redfish and mangrove snapper are biting, and the fall mullet run has begun across Hudson Florida and Pasco County. The beaches are quiet, the water is still warm, and the Labor Day weekend is packed with local events. It is the perfect week to be out on the gulf.
Tight lines and good times,
Kathleen
