Weather has been the biggest factor with inshore and nearshore fishing the last week or so. Frequent strong thunderstorms that pop up quickly can create tricky situations on the water, so check the forecast and stay vigilant while you are out there.
The water clarity continues to improve. There is still a slight reddish tint inshore, but the fish have adapted. As is typical this time of year, floating grass can make using treble hooks problematic. If you can’t find snag-free zones, switch to in-line single hooks or use weedless lures.
With water temperatures into the mid- to upper-80s, going early is the name of the game right now. The flats bite is generally turning off before noon, but those on the water shortly after dawn are finding cooperative trout on topwater plugs and jerk baits. Color doesn’t matter quite as much as action and commotion. The fish are aggressive, so a faster retrieve is in order. Rapala Skitter Walks, MirrOlure Top Dogs, Storm Chug Bugs and Heddon Super Spooks top the list of hard plastic offerings. DOA’s PT-7 weedless version will ease through the thick stuff.
Once the sun gets higher and the temperatures climb, a transition to deeper depths may add to the fish box. Try working a DOA 1/2-ounce shrimp or Sureketch jig slowly over the tops of the sea grass in eight to 10 feet. The trout will be there seeking refuge from the heat.
Redfish are much more tolerant of hot water. Toss an Aqua Dream weedless 3/8-ounce spoon along flooded shorelines, over oyster bars or around rocks/rock grass patches to bring drum to the net. Reds will also gladly inhale a jerk bait or topwater plug that passes in front of their nose.
Flounder, sea bass, jacks, ladyfish are all thick right now. Spanish mackerel and bluefish will be hammering the bait schools in the nearshore depths. Sharks are plentiful and don’t be surprised to see a tarpon rolling on the surface in the early morning hours. Both fish require heavier tackle. A large popper or swim bait will fool both.
Snapper and grouper enthusiasts are finding keeper fish offshore when winds/seas allow. Live pinfish won’t go unmolested, but squid and dead menhaden will score bites as well.
CCA Florida Statewide Anglers Rodeo (STAR) kicked off July 1 and runs through October 4 this year (dates modified due to pandemic).
You have to be registered to win one of four boat/motor/trailer packages, plus a ton of other cool stuff. Two skiff package prizes are offered for junior anglers, plus thousands in college scholarships. There are lots of chances to win in addition to the tagged redfish division. Tagged reds have been released in every coastal Florida county, so they are out there swimming around right now. Harvesting fish is not required. Catches are recorded by photo verification and then entered through the STAR app or on the web site. www.ccaflstar.com for more details.
Expect strong tides this weekend coming along with the full moon on the 4th. Lows will be early mornings, with more than two feet of flooding water by mid-afternoon. Winds are expected to be westerly at moderate levels. Peak solunar times will be an hour around dawn and the last couple hours before the afternoon crest.
Copyright 2020, Capt. Dave Lear. All rights reserved.