[dropcap]J[/dropcap]uly was one of the most unusual months I have ever experienced in the heat of the summer. It sure was windy and rainy. We usually experience nice calm seas and mostly dry weather. We will hopefully be in our normal weather pattern for August. Amberjack season opens August 1st and I know everyone is ready to go find the big one. We will hopefully spend some trips offshore in deeper water for amberjack. Gag grouper, red grouper and red grouper are other great fish to target in the deeper water. Vermillion snapper and white snapper are good fish to add to the box.
When August arrives I always look forward to searching for wahoo, mahi mahi and searching for a marlin. This is the time of year that can be good for big game trolling on a day trip. Blue water is often within 40 miles. The Cool Change charter boat just returned from an offshore day charter and caught two wahoo and fought a nice sailfish. Amberjack season will be open and there will be an option in addition to offshore trolling.
The nearshore trolling bite for Spanish mackerel and king mackerel has been up and down in July. The unusual weather conditions have not helped. We hope to see some good mackerel fishing in August. Drift fishing with live baits and dead cigar minnows are also good to attract a big king. There should also be some bonita around for some fun action. Hook onto a bonita with light tackle and hang on. There have been a few bull redfish caught in late July by trolling. A few jack crevelle have also been caught and released. A jack crevelle can give you a heck of a battle. Enjoy some nearshore sportfishing.
There have also been some big bull sharks caught in the July Shark Shootout. A big bull will give everyone a battle for an hour or so. Have your camera ready for some awesome shots.
Finally, it appears there will be an October red snapper season beginning on October 1st. The season will most likely be open till mid October or late October. Fall 2013 is looking good. We actually have a few fish we can keep. Come on and let’s go fishing!