Conditions in the bay are improving, thankfully. It has taken awhile for the run-off from recent storms to cycle through, but the water is clearing up. Even it places where tannin stain is still present, fish are around and cooperating.
With summer in full swing, water temperatures are now a significant factor. Trout especially are not too fond of super-hot water. As ambush predators, low light conditions are optimal so combined with early and late periods when the water is coolest or has started to cool back down are the prime times to target specks. And the best way to do that is with a noisy topwater lure that attracts their attention. Heddon Super Spooks and One Knockers, Storm Chug Bugs, Rapala Skitter Walks and the many surface options in the MIrrOlure arsenal will trigger explosive strikes. If floating grass is a problem, the DOA weedless PT-7 will snake through with ease.
As the sun and temperatures rise, doing deeper will still produce. DOA shrimp and CAL shad tails, Sureketch touts, Z-Man minnows and other soft baits rigged with light jig heads will score trout, reds, flounder, sea bass and assorted other finny critters. Adding a squirt of scent gel like the Pro-Cure flavors or suspending the offerings under a popping or clacker cork will also attract attention. Natural colors are never a bad choice, but it the water is stained, something that stands out like glow or chartreuse is often eaten first.
Redfish are much more temperature-tolerant. Try a gold or pink Aqua Dream weedless spoon over flooded oyster bars, submerged grassy shorelines or past structure in the tidal creeks to entice the reds. The copper drum haven’t been on fire lately, but quality fish are still being caught.
Speaking of quality redfish, the 2020 CCA Florida STAR tournament kicks off July 1 and runs into October with the virus-adjusted timeframe. This statewide event features tagged redfish that could win a choice of four sweet boat/motor/trailer packages. There have been several big winners in the Big Bend and tagged reds have been released in every coastal county across the state. There are lots of other great prizes, multiple eligible species and college scholarships for junior anglers available. You have to be entered to win, so sign up before that “Big One” really gets away. Visit www.ccaflstar.com for more details.
Cobia, sharks and tarpon are available for those who want more pull on the line. Be sure to gear up accordingly and remember, a $50 tarpon tag is required to boat a fish. Keep whipped ones in the water instead and take a quick snapshot to preserve the memories.
Snapper and grouper diggers are finding tasty meals mainly in depths of 50 or more. Live and dead baits are the top producers. Don’t be surprised to find a Goliath grouper or bull shark “rocking” you up or emptying a spool, either.
Winds are expected to be favorable through the weekend. There’s always a chance of pop-up thunderstorms this time of year, so keep an eye on the skies and always pack rain gear. Decent high tides will crest in the early morning hours (good timing with lower light), with corresponding solunar feeding periods. Another feeding opportunity will present itself for an hour or so sandwiched around the early afternoon lows.
Copyright 2020, Capt. Dave Lear. All rights reserved.