Much like July, August is one if the hottest months, and anglers should fish very early or the evenings for success. Last August I found good success in the early hours fishing for redfish. It's generally very calm and still this month and it makes locating a backer much easier. Low tides early work best. Trout fishing has been slower than years past and I see that fishery staying consistent throughout Aug. Bull Redfish will be scattered along the shipping channel. Heavy tackle with enough lead to hold bottom where you are fishing, with a piece of crab, mullet or ladyfish will get some attention. There will still be some ladyfish, jacks and mangrove snappers around. They can always be fun and mangroves are good table fare. Flounders will be coming on stronger. A TBS Jig and a finger mullet, mud minnow or shrimp slowly working areas with structure can be a ticket. Docks and areas around the St. Johns ferry in the mayport area can be a great area to pick up a big flattie. Fishing the beach can be productive. A free lined pogie tossed around the bait pods could get a tarpon, bull redfish, sharks, or a big Jack Creavale. Don't let the summer heat scare you off the water!!!Tight lines,
July is fish early or fish late typical summertime fishing when it's very hot. There will be some trout in the dock lights, a live shrimp with a fluorocarbon leader and hook, or a DOA shrimp can both be very productive. There are still afew decent trout being caught throughout the ICW and river in the early mourning. As the daylight gets stronger the bite slows. Float rigs, jig and bait, and standard lures will all produce. Again, last of the incoming in the early mourning can be a good time when water is cool with low light conditions. There will be afew redfish caught as well. However, if reds are the targeted species, an early low tide with no wind in the mourning looking for backing fish in the shallows would be a good choice. The sides of the river channel will be holding plenty of bull reds. A chuck of mullet, lady fish or crab on a fish finder rig will be a ticket. Remember to respect these big redfish, take the time to rehabilitate them after a strenuous fight. The beach fishing we be the best bet, fishing the bait pods. A TBS jig on a spinning rod, with a 30 or 40 lb bite tippet of fluorocarbon will get the job done. Pogies will be a great choice for bait, try to match whatever bait pod you are fishing. Sharks, jack Crevalle, tarpon, bull reds, and lady fish, are some of the fish you can expect to fish. Remember to get out and fish what Mother Nature is giving us!!!
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Fishing Report
Capt. Tony's expert insight on what you should look for on the water and how to get the most out of the current fishing season. Archives
April 2021
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