August was a surprise with the weather on the AL Gulf Coast. It was not as hot as usual. It was also rainy.
Alabama Gulf Coast Inshore:
King mackerel were caught but not in big numbers. The Fall kings should arrive in September and they are usually larger than the Summer kings. Trolling #2 and #3 spoons behind the same size planers are usually effective. Drifting with live bait or whole cigar minnows is a good method to catch nice size king mackerel. Spanish mackerel appeared in large numbers in late August. There were many small ones caught but a few 3-5 pounders were in the mix. Small spoons and mackerel trees are good ways to hook into to some numbers of Spanish mackerel.
Alabama Gulf Coast Offshore:
We have triggerfish, vermillion snapper, scamp, gag grouper, red grouper and amberjack to target in September. The offshore bite was good overall in August and should be better in September as the water cools down. Offshore trolling for wahoo, mahi mahi, tuna and marlin should be good in September. Find some blue or blue-green water and you will have a good chance to find some action.
Do not forget that red snapper is planned to open on October 1st, 2013 and possibly close October 21st.
Check the regulations prior to October 1st and make sure the season will open.
If you have your own boat, then get on the water in September. If you do not have your own boat then there are plenty of charter boats to choose from. Let’s go fishing! Be looking for CostaRica fishing reports very soon. Big Game fishing is awesome year round but the dry season runs from December to April.