August brings the dog days of summer.
Local fishing generally slows down as the water temperature reaches the high 80s. There are fish to be found, but you may have to look a little harder for them. Sharks should still be plentiful in the sounds. Larger blacktips and spinners put on a fantastic aerial display when hooked. Use live or fresh bait for these acrobats, floated on top or down on a weight.
Tarpon fishing is generally at its peak this time of year. Many local fishermen and charter guides know the secret spots for the “silver king,” so if you can’t locate a good tarpon hole, you might get lucky if you ask a veteran. Tarpon generally bite on fresh cut bait on or near the bottom. Make sure you have the heavy tackle required to handle these 100-pound monsters and bring extra water to drink, as tarpon offer plenty of fight and an extended battle.
King and Spanish mackerel fishing will be hit or miss, look for the birds chasing schools of baitfish.
Trolling spoons or live baiting near the rips or over structures may entice a bite from the mackerels. Inshore, spottail bass (a.k.a. red drum) can be found tailing on the flats early morning. Spot casting spoons or your favorite fly work well. Try cut bait around piers and docks later in the day and evenings. Mudminnows are also a favorite bait for spottail and flounder.
Offshore should produce dolphin (Mahi Mahi) and wahoo. Don’t forget sailfish have been spotted and caught as close as 15 miles this time of year.
So, to sum up the report for August – the weather is hot and the fishing is not. Good luck and be patient because better days are coming in the fall.
The experts at Blue Water Tackleshop in South Beach Marina have a full charter fleet. Blue Water has experienced captains who know where the fish are. South Beach Marina is the closest marina to the ocean. This means more fishing & less traveling! 843-671-3060 or www.bluewaterhhi.com.
Courtesy of Blue Water Tackleshop