Summer fishing can be tough due to high temperatures, although lately fishing has been pretty good. There has been a lot of action on the deeper flats. Especially the trout bite. Bait is extremely plentiful now. It has shown up later than usual, and easy to catch in the cast net early in the morning. Chumming some of the deeper grass flats with bait will get instant action with trout, ladyfish, and even a few Spanish mackerel swimming through. Jacks are also hitting while chasing pods of small glass minnows adding to the action. As the day goes on or the tide slows the action slows with it. The best bite has been in the morning for sure. On higher tides, redfish have been pretty decent. We are working the bush lines and overhangs where there is enough shade for the fish to congregate. Cut pieces of pinfish, mullet, or ladyfish release a strong oily scent, drawing fish to your area. Snook are still around the beaches and the passes but not as cooperative. Mostly the smaller males are present. Females have spawned and are starting to move. Over the next couple of months, they will definitely transition back towards the mainland. But for now, I’m still targeting the drop offs, troughs, and cuts along the passes especially around structure. Rock jetties, and old pilings or targets that will continue to hold snook. Live sardines are getting the most action. I use a circle hook to catch them in the corner of the mouth, to prevent hooking them deep in the throat.

Brian Caudill
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