Weather continues to be a big factor for coastal pursuits. The outlook for showers and thunderstorms remains high for the upcoming weekend and the eventual run-off into the coastal rivers and creeks continues to impact water clarity inshore. Decreasing daylight hours and the hint of fall mean good fishing is on tap, however.
Water clarity nearshore and in the backcountry is definitely stained and murky. As a result, using aids to help the fish find offerings is recommended. Live bait is always an option with shrimp and small baitfish topping the list. Suspending those baits under a popping or clacker cork will help the fish hone in to the sound. Sound is also an advantage with artificial lures and scent can be added using a squirt or two of Pro-Cure bait gel in matching flavors.
Under the current circumstances, lure color choice can also mean the difference. Gold or gold glitter stands out in the reddish, tannin-stained water. So does pearl/glow or chartreuse. But the resident bait will take on the hues of the environment, so it pays to have some darker patterns like root beer or black/silver in the box as well. Switching to different colors when the bite slows is another good way to keep the action going.
Trout are much more sensitive to dirty water than their reds counterparts. Heat is another discriminator between the two drum species. The deeper water in the refuge has been clearer and the ability to get cooler are why the trout bite up to 10 feet has been more consistent. For reds, target flooded shorelines, creek mouths and submerged oyster bars.
Spanish mackerel, pompano, bluefish and flounder should all be picking up as the month progresses. Cobia and tarpon will be leisurely shifting east and south, too, along with the visiting sharks. It never hurts to have a medium-heavy rod rigged and ready to go in case one of the larger gamefish options pop into casting range.
There’s still a few more weeks left in this year’s CCA STAR Tournament. No tagged redfish have been caught by registered anglers, so several great boat/outboard/trailer packages are still up for grabs, along with a host of other cool prizes. To register or learn more, visit: www.ccaflstar.com
Winds will be trending east according to the forecast at light to moderate levels. Strong gusts are certainly possible with expected showers and thunderstorms. The waning crescent moon won’t be generating super-strong tides. Daytime highs will crest a couple hours after sunrise and fall throughout the rest of the day. Expect a high activity window while the moon is up the first couple hours after the morning highs.
Copyright 2020, Capt. Dave Lear. All rights reserved.