Sadly all, the summer doldrums are here. The combination of falling water levels and heated water is having a negative effect on our fishing. Still, I ask you to not give up completely.
Start early or consider fishing in the dark. For me, I prefer to get the earliest start that is practical in consideration of my clientâs needs or desires. In a perfect scenario weâre launching while it is dark with some âmorning glowâ just perceptible. By the time we idle away from the boat launch it is just light enough for me to see. I plan to arrive to my first stop before the sun has cracked the eastern horizon taking advantage of the lowlight and coolest temperatures of the day.
Look for relatively clean water. The hint here is to not expect any of our waters to be completely clear. For our purposes seeing bottom at two feet is clean enough. Yes, you will have trouble sight-fishing in its purest form. Likely youâll have trouble seeing fish unless they are kind enough to Âflag a tail or raise a dorsal fin. Most likely youâll be picking up their location by reading the water movement as the reds and big trout âpushâ across the Âflats.
Donât worry about not seeing your target species! Have a little faith in yourself and your abilities to find fish. Until they leave our area the mullet schools can and will lead you to a catch of trout, red fish and maybe a tarpon or two. These mobile buffet lines are the best clue as to where the predators are setting up station. Donât be put off by not finding a bite⌠warm water means our fish are experiencing a higher than optimal metabolism. They must eat and eat oÂften; however the bite will probably be of short durations throughout the day.
If using lures work them slowly. Topwater plugs are still my favorite daybreak choice. Try pausing the plug repeatedly as you are âwalking the dogâ. Weâre finding the Exude Dart to be quite effective when virtually crawled or dragged through the grass as weâre fishing them through the mullet schools. Pearl white has been our best early morning color then going to a darker color as the day brightens.
Capt. Mark Wright
cell: 321-302-3474
home: 321-264-3474
captmarkwright@earthlink.net
www.captmarkwright.com
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