By Capt. Sean Smith, SRC Adventures
Bring on the summertime heat. The sea surface temperature is warming up fast and the offshore bite is doing the same. Let me take you on a little journey into the mind of an offshore charter captain during the wonderful month of July.
First, get everything prepared. Take the time you need to work on your gear. Clean up those reels, rod eyes, rollers, outriggers, planers, etc. Change your line, leaders, and hooks. Give everything a little TLC so when that moment comes and a 50+ inch Mahi or Wahoo takes the bait, you will be confident in your preparation.
Next, analyze the conditions. The ocean is always changing, so stay flexible. Use online resources to track tides, currents, temperature breaks, wave patterns, wind direction, and weather forecasts. This helps you decide where to fish and boosts your confidence for a more enjoyable, exciting day on the water. In Florida, summer afternoons often bring thunderstorms, so beat the storms by heading out early. The morning is cooler, and cruising out at sunrise, watching for birds, is one of my favorite parts of being an offshore captain… makes my heart pound just talking about it.
Now, diversify your tackle and tactics. No two days are the same, so don’t hesitate to change your spread. Try different trolling setups: chuggers with ballyhoo, planers with spoons, or cedar plugs. Mix up colors and sizes. For bottom fishing, stock up on live or frozen bait, and consider stopping at a nearshore reef to load up with live bait using sabiki rigs. Once at your fishing spot, take your time: don’t just start dropping chicken rigs or fish finder rigs as soon as you arrive at the spot. Slowly, look around first, what does your sonar show you? How is the current or wind moving the boat? When you’re ready, start with some chum to get the fish excited. Once you are all set and lines are dropped to the bottom, send out a free line live bait with a grunt or a pinfish, keeping in mind the direction of current. Some of my biggest fish have been caught on a live bait free line while bottom fishing over structure.
Now, it’s time to load the fish box and bring home the meat. But there is a critical item that we must always focus on during the summer, that is our bodies. Stay hydrated, drink water and eat lots of snacks. Moderate the alcohol and sugar consumption while getting a workout loading the boat with fish. Apply sunscreen or wear a neck gator or a big hat. These things will make you feel better, keep your energy up, and help you be a better angler.
I want to wish everyone an enjoyable and safe summer. If you are looking to take an offshore adventure, or just want some advice, please don’t hesitate to call me.
