The HEAT is on! Here we are in the middle of summer and the most important players are biting. Snook fishing has been awesome in the Glades backcountry. Very few boaters are out so there is plenty of space and fish –if you'll just come on out. Trout and snapper fishing has been good but the sizes aren't as great as two months ago however; there are plenty. Tripletail fishing has been tops with specimens over ten pounds taken. They are biting a shrimp with a small split shot added for weight. Large tarpon have also been hitting some of the lures being tossed. The Whitewater Bay ramp is OPEN and the bugs are really not that bad. Bait has been hard to find recently however; all the snook we are getting are on lures. I like the outgoing tide for snook best. Pole or troll the shorelines and look for coves and moving water. They'll stack in certain areas like those weird SW winds we've been having. We are doing anywhere from 3-12 snook on any given day this time of year including some big ones, over 8 pounds. This is a great time of the year to try for something different while in this backcountry inshore or offshore. We have had great success locating and landing permit off the Gulf of Mexico aboard the larger boat. We have actually been able to get these hard-fighting fish to the boat quickly and avoid having them eaten by sharks and Goliath grouper.
A tip on permit: use a release buoy to anchor your boat, if fishing near structure. This will allow you to chase the permit once hooked up near a reef, marker, and other structure. The permit will often move away quickly from dangerous surroundings and your ample braid line (recommended) supply will suffice. Go for the chase like Ed Bieksha did with the permit in the photograph-we chased it all the way into the boat! Tripletail is one other type of fishing that is a lot of fun. Tripletail are an unpredictable fun but when we see them floating near traps, they can be caught so long as they bite. In this environment I tend to favor a no stretch line because even if it gets wrapped around the buoy and nylon rope, it can still catch the fish. Keep the boat on plane until you spot one, then slow down and go back at and try with a long cast.
Just look at the picture of Jacob Lefkowitz with the eleven-pound three-lobed fish. Isn't he all smiles? Don't forget to get any final preparations for your boat or outdoor equipment in spite of hurricane season. Advance preparation is key to the safety and security of your property. Make sure your small boat and trailer is moving well and can be secured somewhere safe such as a garage or warehouse, if available. Now is the time to gather any parts, rode, or materials to stay afloat. With all groundwork taken care of –that should afford plenty of time to get on the water and go fishing!