The temperatures might be hot, but so is the fishing. A variety of species are still pulling drag throughout our entire region. As the summer heat sets in, the Gulf waters will warm up. To improve your chances of catching fish, I recommend trying two tactics.
First, try fishing at the coolest part of the day. I prefer to hit the skinny water (< 2 ft) at sunrise since this is when the water will be the coolest. Fish will be actively feeding and on the move at day break. Secondly, try moving to deeper water as the day gets hot. The deeper water does not warm as quickly and the fish will be more willing to eat.
The backcountry bite has been pretty good from Bayport to Aripeka. The most consistent red fish bite has been early in the day on a moving tide. Look to target the mangrove shoreline with structure like rocks and oyster bars. Mullet jumping or creating "nervous water" is a great sign that there are reds or snook in the area. I prefer to throw a gold spoon or float a piece of cut mullet under a cork.
The trout bite has been fantastic in 6 - 10 ft of water. Drift the grass flats with sand pockets. I prefer to throw a white GULP on a red 1/4 ounce jig head. Cast to the pockets of sand and slowly work the bait across the bottom. This method will also draw strikes from mackerel, sea bass, lady fish, juvenile grouper, shark, and a variety of other species. The best part of fishing the deeper flats like this is because of the non stop action and the variety of fish you will catch.
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
www.bulldogfishin.com
(352)238-3581
