It’s endurance time along the Forgotten Coast. The water is hotter than a sauna, the ambient air feels like a blast furnace and the fish are on the Atkins diet. Put it all together and that’s why August is the toughest month of the year to fish this stretch of Florida..
Better days will be here soon, though. The temperatures aren’t going to plunge immediately, but as the hours of daylight start getting shorter the fish sense what’s on tap and resume feeding more aggressively. In the meantime, dawn patrols are still the best opportunity to work the shallows. Temperatures are cooler at first light, there’s not as much boat traffic and you get to watch a bonus sunrise. This is also prime time to throw a noisy surface plug, if the floating grass isn’t too thick. Trout, reds, ladyfish and jacks will all hammer a Super Spook, Top Dog or Skitter Walk and the visual aspect is an angling treat. It’s a short-lived thrill, however. By the time the sun is well overhead, usually by mid-mornings, you might as well go scalloping or head to the nearest sand bar for a refreshing swim.
Those who insist on fishing beyond the early window will be better off going deep. Trout, flounder and sea bass are all possibilities in depths of 8-12 feet using heavier jigs or soft baits. Bounce the lures slowly along the bottom and you’ll likely end up with something for the grill or fryer. Another option is run-and-gun after the bait balls in the nearshore depths. Jumping or frantic bait on the surface, diving birds and oil slicks will tip off the locations. Drift or use the trolling motor to get within casting distance before tossing silver casting spoons to the edges. Hold on tight to the rod, ‘cause you never know what may pounce on the other end.
There haven’t been many reports of cobia lately. Sharks and the occasional tarpon will provide rod-bending action if you’re so inclined. Gear up to at least medium-heavy gear with a lot of line capacity for either Jaws or the silver kings. Bigger swim baits and suspending hard plugs are productive offerings. A frisky pinfish, pogy or mullet tethered to a surface float will also seldom be refused. Remember, tarpon must be released carefully unless you pre-pay for a world record tag and many species of sharks are protected now, too. Check the latest regs before you go.
With the waxing crescent moon phase, don’t expect a lot of water flow this weekend. Only moderate high tides will occur late mornings to around lunch. The lows will bottom out before dawn with only slightly more than one foot of incoming water. The best daytime feeding window will be a two-hour slot sandwiched on either side of the high tide. Winds are expected to be on the light side from the south/southwest. As is typical for the summer season, the likelihood of thunderstorms are possible, particularly in the afternoons, so stay vigilant.
Copyright 2020, Capt. Dave Lear. all rights reserved.