Summer is in full swing, and it is hot! Knowing we must deal with this summer heat, it is crucial for us anglers to hit the water as early as possible. By doing this, it is more comfortable and greatly increases the odds of catching fish. The shallow water in this area of the Nature Coast is coolest right before the sun rises which is a major reason fish are on the move and feeding at that time.
Fish will still bend rods once the temperature starts to rise but be ready to change your tactics as the day heats up. For example, try using top water early when the water is calm but switch to a sub surface plug or jig later on. Another tactical change would be to go from a popping cork with a shrimp to a free lined shrimp. This gets the bait deeper in the water column where there is cooler water.
The redfish bite has been consistent in the backcountry throughout our entire area. Gold spoons and top water plugs cast as close to the mangrove shoreline as possible are producing. Also, try pinfish and cut mullet near similar areas with structure like oyster bars and vegetation. I like to fish bait with a 3/0 or 4/0 circle hook under a small cork. These techniques will catch trout and the occasional snook as well.
The flats continue to be the most consistent bite right now. Free lined shrimp or scented soft plastic baits like a 3" GULP shrimp are my best producers. Nice trout, keeper sea bass, grouper, blue fish, lady fish, jacks, small sharks, and more will all pull drag with these presentations. Remember, the slower you work this bait the better, especially as the day heats up!
This is a great time of year for shark fishing in 6 - 12 ft. of water on light and heavy spinning tackle. Chumming the water will provide non-stop action with these guys. 3/0 and 4/0 circle hooks on a steel leader provide a perfect hook set and less break offs. Using cut mullet or lady fish is a great bait. Light spinning tackle is a blast but it's a bit of a gamble. If the you hook the "BIG ONE" on this setup it's like trying fly a kite in a hurricane, but when a 2 or 3 footer cooperates it's a great fight.
Summer means kids are out of school. It's not to late to get them on the water and fish. Nothing is better than to see this sport through the eyes of a child. Hooking kids on fishing gives them something to enjoy the rest of their lives.
Good luck out there and tight lines!
Capt. Keith Tomlinson
Bulldog Fishin Charters
(352)238-3581 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (352)238-3581 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
www.bulldogfishin.com
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