August fishing can sometimes be a challenge, but also a fun time. The cold water is usually still around and causing issues for bottom fishing and finding bait. By cold water, I’m talking about the yearly thermocline. Plus, the “whale snot.” Just because you can’t get a bottom bite going doesn’t mean the bottom fish don’t come up in the water column a little. Get on the wrecks and chum. You will find the cold pushes the fish up. They try to get to the warm water level. It’s not uncommon at all to see amberjack, snapper, cobia, mangroves, and many other species not far from the surface. Picking out the biggest fish can be fun, especially for charter clients. And, don’t forgot about the cobia run. That cold water also pushes them cobes to the shallows.
Mahi? No, they are not here. We are catching a few stragglers, but you can normally do that all year long.
Kingfish should continue to do well. Many fish in the 40- to 50-lb. class have been caught recently. Capt. Joe of the FireFight had some studs lately.
Nearshore beach fishing is going to really be picking up in August. The tarpon are there and rolling every day. You can slow troll them or just drift in the mornings with live bait. We have caught them on everything—chunk baits, live baits and artificials. There is not much they won’t eat. Beach fishing in 20-30 feet is a blast. You’d be amazed how shallow all these fish come in. Kings, bonito, crevales and many other fun fighting fish will be there for the taking as well. Look for the schools of bunker. If you find them, you will find the fish.
Shark fishing is about as good as it gets right now. If you’re looking for some fun with the kids, anchor up in 20 feet off the beach and hold on.
Capt. Chris Cameron
Fired Up Fishing Charters
firedupcharters@gmail.com
www.firedupcharters.com
www.sharkfishingcocoabeach.com
(407) 222-3573
Your premier fishing guide charter for shark fishing Cocoa Beach, offshore fishing Port Canaveral, and nearshore fishing Cape Canaveral.