“Even though summer isn’t officially here yet, the patterns have definitely shifted into hot weather mode across the Big Bend. That typically means early and late are prime feeding times, especially for trout, or going deeper to cooler water. With ambient temperatures into the 90s and the water getting bath-tub warm, adjustments will generally help improve success rates.
Trout are ambush predators anyway, so low light conditions enhances their surprise tactics. Noisy topwater plugs tossed at dawn or dusk are often savagely pounded by specks looking for an easy meal. If floating grass on the surface is a problem, consider switching to in-line single hooks or weedless versions like the DOA PT-07. And don’t be shocked if a hungry redfish doesn’t hump up behind the lure or it isn’t attacked by a marauding jack crevalle or cruising tarpon. If you do decide to try deeper for trout, add just enough weight to get down yet still stay slightly off the bottom. CAL shad, Sureketch jigs and DOA 2.75 shrimp or the 1/2-ounce versions are excellent for this type of prospecting.
Along with topwaters, redfish are slurping down jerk baits and Aqua Dream weedless spoons. Water clarity may be cloudy in places due to the recent rains. If that’s the case, the pink Aqua Dream spoons really pop, along with the gold standard patterns.
There were more good reports of cobia, grouper and tripletail from the long holiday weekend. Eel jigs, big bucktails and swim baits will tempt brown bombers into striking. Shrimp lures are enticing for trips. There are plenty of Spanish mackerel around in the nearshore depths, while big sharks will provide plenty of sport for those who want a real tussle.
For the next three months afternoon sea breezes often create choppy conditions and pop-up thunderstorms. So keep an eye on the horizon and don’t take any unnecessary chances. Lightning on the water is a very scary situation.
Winds and tides should be favorable for the most part this upcoming weekend. A decent flood of water will crest mid-mornings before dropping back out by mid-afternoon. According to the time-tested solunar tables, you can expect very good action the last couple hours before the morning peak, followed by another shorter window of opportunity the last hour before dead low.
Be safe out there and please practice common courtesy at the ramps and on the water.
Copyright 2020, Capt. Dave Lear. All rights reserved.