July is a very exciting and busy month for catching a number of different fish around the Clearwater and Dunedin waters. Yes, the weather has been downright hot and the water temperature has been on the warm side. But, that does not get in the way of some great fishing my clients will enjoy during the month. This month should produce good catches of snook, redfish, trout, ladyfish and sharks.
Be on the look for snook, redfish and trout. So many of my clients want to catch all three on their charter trip and secure the fame of catching a “Slam.”
This time of year, look for snook to be on the beaches and in the passes of Anclote, Dunedin and Clearwater. If you search the passes, make sure you check both sides. Some sides will hold the fish better than the others. Look for areas like small docks, rocks and deeper cuts within the shallow water–some grass in the area would not hurt either. The water is so clean, you might be able to spot the fish before you spook them. If so, back off and set up within casting range. A nice 3 to 4-inch green back will be your best bait. Don’t pass up a small pin fish, grunt or large shrimp–they have all caught their share of snook.
After taking a photo of your snook, move to the shallow waters and scout for redfish. Use an incoming tide and get near the mangroves and oyster beds. Keep moving as you are looking, because you never know when you might find a nice school of fish. The redfish have been scattered around and will move daily. Live shrimp and cut white bait will be your prime baits.
To find trout–the third catch of your slam–drift the grass flats inside the passes with an incoming or outgoing tide. Fish around 3 to 5-feet of water and have your baits near the bottom. White baits and live shrimp will be your top baits for trout. Don’t forget the artificials, as they work very well on trout.
July will turn out to be another great summer month for fishing in the Clearwater/ Dunedin area. It goes to show you that there is a lot of catching going on in the hot days ahead. The most important factor is to follow the tides. Even though the bay water may be 90 degrees, a good incoming tide will refresh and turn the bite on.
So, get out there and catch a “Slam.” Have your camera ready to snap a quick picture and release alive. Catching a trophy fish on our pristine waters in July is waiting.