Rain rain go away, that's what has been was on everybody's mind last month. A lot of us were definitely getting cabin fever with it raining almost 20 days straight. With all the rain the fishing has still been somewhat productive. Heck I was able to fish for mud fish in my garage. For the days I was able to get out, the bait was plentiful but you sure had to be careful were you took your bait. With all the fresh water running out of the rivers it was hard to keep the bait alive if you fished close to or in the rivers. The redfish are a hardy species and adapt to the water changes fairly easy. They have been hanging out just on the outside of the creeks and river mouths. On the higher tides Look for the reds to be around oyster beds.
If you are using artificial baits target the higher tides in the morning and use a top water bait like the Mirr-o-lure top dog jr. September is still warm but as the days go by we can expect the weather to start getting more hospitable and the water temperature to start cooling off. Look for the reds, they will also be in the big schools along Anclote Island. The best bait is pinfish or cut lady fish. Fish the edges of the schools. Fishing the middle of the schools, you will only get one fish then they will spook and move. Then you will have to spend time trying to find out where they disappeared to. If you want to just bend a rod, the black tip sharks have been out in full force. Target the area between Anclote Island and Baillie's Bluff in about 6 - 8 feet of water. Anchor up and hang a chum bag and it won't take too long for them to show up. I have been using a product called TyGer, it is a wire leader that you can tie. It works great for these guys. I put on about a one foot piece with a #3 circle hook along with a cut pinfish. Throw out in your chum line and its game on. It's a great way for the kids to stay busy fighting fish. While you are out their keep an eye peeled for Cobia. We have been getting a fair share in the mix. These guys will also hit that same pinfish. Another good day for the kids is fishing for Jacks. There have been several schools of them hanging out in Gulf Harbors channels and
Between anclote and three rooker islands. Once you chum these guys up its game on and most of the time non stop action for the kids.
Snook season opens September 1st and I know that is what a lot of you guys have been waiting for. These guys are also very good at adapting to all the fresh water we've had last two months. You will still find them around the islands holding in areas that have moving water. On the higher tides target the mangrove shoreline that has deeper cuts. They like to hang out in areas that have moving water which brings the bait to them. So when you find them remember to cast your bait just up current from them and let the current take your bait naturally back to them.
Trout fishing in the morning with a top water lure is probably one of the best nonstop action you can have. Drift the flats and throw out as far as you can and just walk the dog (moving it back and forth). You can cover a lot of area this way to find out where they are hiding. A nice way to get a bait out there a long distance is by using at lest 7'6” rod, which will get that extra distance that you have been looking for. Once you locate them Power-Pole down and have fun.
Between anclote and three rooker islands. Once you chum these guys up its game on and most of the time non stop action for the kids.
Snook season opens September 1st and I know that is what a lot of you guys have been waiting for. These guys are also very good at adapting to all the fresh water we've had last two months. You will still find them around the islands holding in areas that have moving water. On the higher tides target the mangrove shoreline that has deeper cuts. They like to hang out in areas that have moving water which brings the bait to them. So when you find them remember to cast your bait just up current from them and let the current take your bait naturally back to them.
Trout fishing in the morning with a top water lure is probably one of the best nonstop action you can have. Drift the flats and throw out as far as you can and just walk the dog (moving it back and forth). You can cover a lot of area this way to find out where they are hiding. A nice way to get a bait out there a long distance is by using at lest 7'6” rod, which will get that extra distance that you have been looking for. Once you locate them Power-Pole down and have fun.