FISHING PROSPECTS FOR AUGUST

Just like last month the best time to fish in August is early in the day and late in the day.  The mosquitoes are still around so bug spray should be part of your gear if you plan to go into the backcountry.

Rain and tropical storms will affect the fishing and not in a positive way.  Freshwater from the rain decreases the salinity in the backcountry and that combined with the dirty water from the runoff adds up to poor fishing conditions. 

Continue to pay attention to the afternoon storms if you are on the water.  As mentioned in previous months, graphite rods make great lighting rods.  If lighting strikes a fly rod it will wreck the rod and will not be a pleasant experience for the person holding the rod either.  So be careful and pay attention to the weather.

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.  This is still a good time to fish the beaches in the early morning hours for snook.  Try using a top water pattern like a gurgler or a baitfish pattern.

REDFISH

This month is redfish month.  Redfish seem to tolerate the heat better than snook or sea trout.  Try for them early in the day as they make their way into the backcountry.  Shrimp and crab patterns are the most commonly used flies for redfish, but at times small baitfish patterns will also work.

TROUT

Trout can still be found, but the hot weather tends to make them move into deeper water.  Look for deep holes in grass beds 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 still 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.

Tight Lines, Ralph Pike