Hot is the first word that comes to mind when I think of August. It is by far our hottest month of the year, so getting out early or going out late are going to be your best bet for success.
The king mackerel bite will be pretty hot on the nearshore structure such as live bottoms, artificial reefs, and ledges. Live menhaden or jigged bait slow-trolled will be the best bait of choice, but cigar minnows will also work as well. Most of these fish will be in the 8- to 15-pound range but bigger fish can be expected. There will still be good numbers of trophy-size Spanish mackerel on all the nearshore live bottoms. Smaller menhaden on light king rigs will be your best bet.
August is also the best month to target doormat-sized flounder. Flounder in the 5- to 8-pound range can be found around all the inshore structure such as bridges, docks, jetties, and seawalls. When targeting bigger flounder, use bigger baits such as big finger mullets and hand-sized spots, croakers, and pinfish. Live baits should be fished on Carolina rigs. There will also be good numbers of keeper-sized fish in the same locations…you just need to scale down the bait size.
The red drum bite will be pretty consistent during August. We will be finding smaller schools of fish in the marshes behind the barrier islands and in the White Oak River. Topwater baits such as Mirrolure’s TopDawg is an exciting way to trigger a strike from a feeding red drum. Spinnerbaits and scented soft plastics on jig heads are also good artificial baits. Live mullets and pogies on a Carolina rig or beneath a rattle cork will also work on these reds.
Other fish on tap for the month of August will be sheepshead and black drum. Live shrimp fished along oyster beds and marsh creeks will produce the best.
Capt. Robert Hall
Hall’em In Charters
910-330-6999 • www.hallemincharters.com
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