By: Joe Sheaffer
Summertime in Southwest Florida can be a challenge for us anglers, and I’m sure the inshore species are looking for a break from the heat. There are different strategies that we use during the summer that can help us be productive during this time of the year. Many of us like to set out early taking advantage of the cooler temperatures and looking for excitement of top water action. Many of us fish when we can, trying to figure out where the fish may be hanging out during the heat of the day. Some anglers like to fish in the evenings or even the hours after dark. The main point for most of us is going fishing and trying to figure out how to get a few fish to cooperate. As I mentioned, we all have our preferences on how to fish during the summer and throughout the year. One of my go to strategies for summer fishing is finding large schools of big mullet. The larger the school and the larger the mullet the better. I have great confidence fishing around, along and in the mullet groups. If I make enough casts and stay around the schools of mullet I will find willing predators that will hit my lure. I’m sure most of us understand why redfish, snook and even sea trout hang around the mullet schools. Knowing the mullet will inadvertently spook, scare and push different bait species up from the grass and mud for an easy meal. Usually, no matter the conditions this is a constant behavior for predators looking to feed. Different presentations can be productive. Topwater, swimbaits, jigs and live bait rigs can work very well. I prefer a small jig with a paddle tail, something that has a natural look and color. More importantly is having your boat in the right position, I really try to have my boat up wind so that I can drift as much as possible. Obviously, we are trying to be as stealthy as possible. Another important key, with the wind to your back, allows for longer casts, helping us with the stealth factor. Stay cool and keep casting, hopefully you can find success around the mullet.