FISHING PROSPECTS FOR JULY

July is the time for fishing early in the day and late in the day.  Midday can get too hot for humans and for the fish, so take a break and go back out after the afternoon storms have passed through.  This is also a good time of year to consider using bug spray.

Two factors affecting the fish and the fishing this time of year are the rain and the barometric pressure.  The rain can have a dampening affect on the fishing (pun intended).  Too much rain increases the freshwater in the bays and reduces the salinity of the water.  Not sure if this causes the fish to lose their appetite or they simply move out of the bays, but in either case fishing slows down.  If there is a lot of rain this month try fishing near the passes during the incoming tide when salinity will be higher.  In the summer the frequent afternoon thunderstorms cause significant variability in the barometric pressure.  The variation in the barometric pressure results in unpredictable fishing.  Significant change in the barometric pressure can cause the fish to stop feeding.  On the positive side sometimes after the afternoon storm passes the cooler air and a slight change in barometric pressure will trigger an increase in fish activity.

Water clarity is usually good in July which means great sight fishing opportunities.  When the fish are easy to see they are usually easy to spook.  This is also another reason to fish early in the morning or late in the evening when the light is low and visibility is reduced.  The wind is one factor that can impact water clarity.  Normally in July the wind is out of the east and everything is fine.  However, if the wind is out of the west it can make the surf rough along the beaches and muddy the water in the backcountry.

SNOOK

The closed season for snook on the gulf and in ENP continues through August.  So minimize the handling of any snook caught and return them to the water as quickly as possible.  Snook will be found in the backwaters and along beaches and islands whenever schools of bait are present.  If catching giant linesiders is of interest consider fishing the passes at night.  If you do wear lots of bug spray because there will be mosquitoes, lots of mosquitoes. White flies like a ‘DT’ or your favorite baitfish pattern will work well when going after snook.

REDFISH

Look for redfish on the current side of oyster bars on the outgoing tide and likewise on the incoming tide.  Shrimp and crab patterns are the most commonly used flies for redfish, but at times small baitfish patterns will also work.

TROUT

Trout can be found schooling over grass beds on the higher part of the tide and also in the deep runs along the islands in the backcountry.  Shrimp and baitfish patterns work well for trout.  Chartreuse and white clousers also work well.

TARPON

Juvenile tarpon can be found in the creeks in the backcountry and a few larger tarpon may still be found in the passes. 

Sharks

Sharks can be found in the passes and larger bays and in the near off-shore waters.