By: Eric Henson
When July rolls into Southwest Florida, the heat cranks up and so does the inshore bite. For kayak anglers, this is peak season to chase redfish, snook, and speckled trout in the Bays.
Launch at first light to take advantage of cooler morning temperatures, and a topwater bite that is nothing short of explosive. Snook are notorious for exploding on lures along the shadow lines near mangroves, docks, etc.
Once the sun climbs, switch to soft plastics or a live shrimp under a popping cork. Redfish often tail across the grass flats or creep along potholes waiting to ambush bait. Stay stealthy because if you spook them, you’re done for!
The outgoing tide is your best bet, flushing bait from the creeks and drawing in predators. Creek mouths are prime ambush points where snook and reds wait to gobble up passing baitfish.
With water temps soaring, fish actually digest their food quicker so they will be feeding even more than usual, in the cooler parts of the day. But if you plan on being out there on the outside when temps heat up, don’t forget your buffs, polarized shades, and have plenty of hydration. And always keep an eye on the sky because storms are quick to pop up and can be unforgiving.
In July, Southwest Florida’s inshore waters are alive, and with a stealthy approach in your kayak and with the right timing, you’re just one cast away from a slot redfish, a gator trout, or a linesider that’ll put a serious bend in your rod! Please respect all the other anglers on the water and handle fish with the upmost care if you are not keeping them. Sometimes with the hotter water temps, they need a little bit more time to revive them before letting them swim away. Tight lines and look forward to seeing you out on the H20!