Coastal fishing action has continued to be steady, despite cooler temperatures and occasional breezy conditions. The forecast for the upcoming weekend looks to be more of the same, although a decent exchange of water will occur coming on the heels of Thursday’s full moon tides.
Nice stringers of speckled trout are being caught from the shallows out to as deep as eight feet. The usual litany of offerings is producing, including live mud minnows, shrimp and pinfish to fake shrimp, plastic touts and topwater surface plugs. White is currently the prevailing hot color. Silver trout are also chewing in good numbers. These “speck” cousins are scrappy, good to eat and open season, so get after them if you want a mess for a family fish fry. Silver trout are typically found in deeper water.
The flounder bite is also picking up as the flatties take up residence inshore. Bounce a small jig or DOA 2.75 shrimp slowly along the bottom to locate the fish. Flounder suck in baits more often than strike them hard so fish accordingly. If you find one, chances are good others are in the vicinity.
Redfish are also settling into summer patterns, which means less schools and more singles, pairs and small groups. Target oyster bars, creek mouths, rock grass and flooded shorelines for these spunky game fish. With the recent rains, try pink Aqua Dream weedless 3/8-ounce spoons if the water is tannin-stained. If super clear, chartreuse or watermelon works well, along with the standard gold pattern.
Those venturing into deeper water have been rewarded over the last week, too. Big cobia, amberjacks, grouper and various snapper (reds must be released) are all coming to the gaff or net. Unless a lingering shark or goliath grouper gets to them first. Even if you are bottom fishing, it pays to have a medium heavy combo ready with a Whip-it Eel or flashy bucktail jig in case a brown bomber glides up next to the boat.
The National Weather Service and forecast apps like Windy are calling for breezy conditions through Sunday, mainly out of the Northeast. Probably wouldn’t hurt to have rain gear handy before venturing out. Low tides will drop out mid-mornings, with an incoming crest by mid-afternoon with more than 2.5 feet of water difference. That should stimulate some appetites. Prime times will be the first couple of hours after the high peaks, followed by a shorter, less-active window of an hour just before dead low.
Fortunately other ramps are opening in the region, which should ease congestion across the Forgotten Coast. Social distancing at the ramps/marinas and on the water is still necessary, however. With the extra number of boats on the water these days, please practice common courtesy so everyone can have a safe and enjoyable time. Also, be aware that law enforcement is writing tickets for parking in unauthorized areas, so make sure the tow vehicle and trailer are in the proper spots.
Copyright 2020, Capt. Dave Lear. All rights reserved.