By: Capt. Dave Stephens
As we slide into August the fishery has been very good. There is a lot of hungry snook out on the bars and barrier islands. Look for good moving water on the islands and feeding fish will be there. Good numbers of tarpon are still in the harbor, areas like the deeper holes and river mouths will be holding fish. This time of year, the ladyfish begin to school up on glass minnows. The birds will definitely be on this feeding frenzy. Often the large tarpon will be there feeding on ladyfish. If you get lucky enough to encounter this, get a bait out as quick as possible! If you’re looking to get a junior angler interested in fishing these schools of ladyfish will keep them busy.
As fall gets closer the red fishing will be on the upswing. On higher tides fish big mangrove over hangs with good tidal flow. On the lower out going tides these same fish will drop off into potholes or will be hanging on the bars. Also, keep your eye open for large schools of mullet as the red fish will often hang with them. Reds aren’t the pickiest of eaters in the harbor. If you can get well full of sardines, chumming will help to get them fired up. However, anything from pin fish, shrimp and even cut baits will work. It’s still our rainy season so keep an eye on the sky for those afternoon storms that come rolling in!