Now that one of the hottest months of the year has passed, fishing can be quite productive if you follow the summer patterns… With extremely high water temps this time of year, getting out on the water before day break can really make a difference in having an ok day of fishing to having an outstanding day! At daybreak I always start out throwing a search bait like a Yo-Zuri 3D Inshore Pencil “top-water lure”. Search bait such as these will help you locate the fish when it is still pretty difficult to see outside. Also, it doesn’t get much better than hearing or seeing the explosion of a feeding fish. Then as the sun starts to creep up, I start to mix in some soft-plastics like the Monster3X Paddle-X or the X-Tail.
Snook- Most of these fish will generally be stacked up in the passes and on the beaches for their annual spawn. Keep your eyes open for pods of them to be hanging close together and don’t be surprised to run into larger schools as well. You will generally find a bunch of smaller males up to about 20 inches and then a few giant females hanging with them.
Trout- Look for them to be a little bit deeper than usual. They will be hanging out on drop offs and deeper grass-flats where the water temps are a little cooler.
Redfish- This is one of my favorite months of the year for redfish. These fish will be joining forces in huge schools scouring the flats for their next meal. A lot of the redfish will be upper to over-slot fish but tons of fun to catch!
With water temps as hot as they are… If the fish are acting too sluggish to chase down a lure, don’t be afraid to slow things down a bit. Maybe even save one or two of those pesky pinfish or lady fish to use for a little cut bait. Sometimes a piece of chunk bait on a circle hook can be the golden ticket!
Make sure to be safe, stay hydrated, and respect your fellow anglers on the waters at all times! There is plenty of water out there for everyone. Tight lines and Tight knots to all!