[dropcap]Y[/dropcap]ou can look for the summer time patterns to start changing. Cooler water and temperatures will change the inshore bite. Look for the trout and redfish to move to a little deeper water; they will still be taking the small white baits or even crabs for the redfish. Fish the crabs on a live bait hook and under a popping cork. You will want to try places like Herman’s Bay or around Jack Island. The snapper bite should be red hot along the channel edges both to the north and south in the Intracoastal Waterway for anglers using a live shrimp fished on the bottom with a ½-ounce weight and a #2 hook. Don’t forget to use a long leader, about 4 to 5 feet of 15 or 20 pound fluorocarbon.
Everyone will be waiting for the opening of snook season, which opens September 1st. You may want to try places like the Fort Pierce Inlet and the local bridges. A live bait like a pilchard, greenie or a mullet will be your best choice. If you would rather use artificial baits, try a one-and-a-half ounce or a two-ounce jig and slowly bounce it off the bottom around the bridges, Turning Basin and in the Fort Pierce Inlet.
The tarpon should still be here around the mouth of the Fort Pierce Inlet and in the Turning Basin. They should be taking live baits at first light and just before dark. The surf will continue to produce whiting, croakers, Spanish and a few pompano.