By: Joe Sheaffer
Summer is here and it seems to be very warm from sunrise to sunset. Fishing can be a challenge and many anglers head to the beaches to cool off. The cooler conditions can make a day of fishing more enjoyable. It can be a bit cooler but that doesn’t mean fishing will be easy. Many days the mornings can be very calm and the beach looks like a large lake. As the morning heads into the afternoon the beaches become very crowded with people looking to enjoy the Gulf and sun. The fish are spooky and not exactly in a feeding mood. When the weather forecast is calm and clear, waiting until the evening may prove to be more productive. Many evenings as the sun starts to sink into the Gulf, a nice sea breeze can help the surf churn. Many times the fish will turn on and begin to feed in the surf. The rolling surf along with lower light conditions can be an advantage for anglers. Fish like Snook and other species can be very aggressive and much more willing to hit live bait and artificial presentations. Looking for schools of bait, birds diving and of course feeding fish can key you in on areas holding fish. Many presentations can be effective but I like using some type of swimming lure. Jig with paddle tails, Swimbaits, Rattle Traps, Chatterbaits are a few that have been productive for me over the years. Focusing your cast parallel to the beach will keep your lure or bait in the strike zone. Fishing in the evenings can be a little cooler and definitely less crowded. When the beaches are calm and busy during the day, think about an evening fishing, a nice breeze can make for a great fishing experience. Good luck and keep casting.