By Craig Korczynski, Contributing Writer
August is the hottest month of the year, & the fishing is hot as well. Kids go back to school the second week of August and waters will be less crowded for anglers in search of the next big catch.
Snook continue to be the main target for anglers along the beaches, using live bait and DOA lures like the C.A.L. 4 inch jerk bait in bayou tiger or pearl worked in the troughs. While cruising the beach be sure to have a keen eye looking for any signs of life like bait schools and any dust clouds from fish you may have spooked. When working the shoreline, be sure to cast parallel with the beach making a long cast for best results.
Inlets are another great spot for red hot snook action. When fishing the inlet, target moving water for best results. Live baits fished on the bottom are the best way to hook up with a snook. For all you artificial lure lovers, nothing beats catching a monster snook jigging the inlet. A DOA C.A.L. 4 inch jerk bait in bayou tiger or purple haze on a 3/8 ounce jig head triggers strikes. The key is to have the bait near the bottom and offer a natural presentation. The snook will range in size from 10 to 30 pounds.
Tarpon! Aka the silver king, have the best time to target of sunrise and sunset. The tarpon can be seen rolling on the surface, just off the beach following bait schools migrating.
When a pod of tarpon is found be sure to stay quiet and get in front of the moving school then present your bait. Tarpon can be finicky so presentation must be precise and be patient.
Inlets are another prime location for tarpon. Fish the edge of the inlet with live bait, free lined for best results. Usually the first of incoming and outgoing are the best tides for tarpon. The average size of the tarpon is 15 to 50 pounds with bigger fish found on the beaches.
The ICW is full of bait, provoking lots of action for anglers targeting a variety of species from trout, snook, tarpon, jacks, and triple tail. Docks, seawalls, and mangrove shorelines are the prime location for all the above species. The best times to fish are early morning and late afternoon due to cooler water temps. The middle of the day fishing can be brutal and very stagnant for anglers due to extremely high water temps.
Well that is the fishing report for August, hope you all enjoyed, remember any day on the water is a good day. Tight Lines!
Captain Craig Korczynski
561-644-4371 • phlatsinshorefishing.com