The most challenging times inshore are upon us and that means adaptation is in order. The inshore water temperatures are in the mid-80s and that’s outside the comfort zone of most game fish. The best solution is to set the alarm clock and be on the water early. Like to enjoy the sunrise. That’s when temperatures will be the coolest and low light conditions add to the preferable ambush factor.
Sight-fishing can be good in the middle of the day for tarpon and sharks. The sun’s angle, from around 10 am to 4 pm, allows good visibility into the shallows. Pods of tarpon continue to roll and surf the beach troughs, while blacktips and spinners are cruising through the shallows. Well-placed swim baits like DOA BaitBusters, MirrOlure 77M plugs and Gag’s Whip-it Eels will fool the silver kings and sharks. Fly anglers will do well tossing red/black or purple and black minnow patterns or fluorescent Toad flies. For sharks, it’s hard to top an orange or red streamer.
There’s no shortage of bait on the flats. Shrimp, pinfish, finger mullet, glass minnows and pilchards are everywhere. Flounder enthusiasts will do well to throw a cast net along the shorelines for mud minnows. If you prefer to fool ‘em with plastic, Rapala Skitter Walks and Super Spooks are generating surface strikes, while DOA shrimp is tempting in the mid-column depths.
With the ‘tweener moon phase, tides and solunar cycles will be modest this weekend. Expect average feeding activity from early to mid-mornings. The USN Blue Angels are hosting their semi-annual air show too, so boat traffic will be extremely congested.
The first STAR-tagged redfish was caught by a lucky registered angler near Englewood last week. He is claiming the Pathfinder bay boat as his prize. But there are still two other boat, motor, trailer package available (Contender 22 Sport and 19 Spyder flats). Tons of other great prize packages are up for grabs. The younger crowd also has a chance to win college scholarships. New this year is the ALTA Equipment Company special prize of $50,000 if a Super-STAR-Tagged redfish is caught. You have to be a CCA member and registered beforehand to win prizes. Fishing continues through Labor Day Weekend so don’t forget to register at https://ccaflstar.com
Copyright 2022, Capt. Dave Lear
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