HOT! HOT! HOT!
by Eric Henson
Although August can be one of the most grueling, hottest months of the year, it can be quite productive if you follow the summer patterns. With extremely high water temps this time of year, getting out on the water before day break can really make a difference between having an okay day of fishing to having an outstanding day! At day break I always start out throwing a search bait like a Yo-Zuri 3D Inshore Pencil “top-water lure”. This type of lure helps me locate the fish when it is still pretty difficult to see outside. Also, it doesn’t get much better that hearing or seeing the explosion of a feeding fish. Then as the sun starts to creep up, I start to mix in some soft-plastics like the Monster3X Paddle-X or the new X-Tail.
Trout- Look for them to be a little bit deeper than usual. They will be hanging out on drop offs and deeper grass-flats where the water temps are little cooler.
Snook- Most of these fish will generally be stacked up in the passes and on the beaches for their annual spawn. Keep your eyes open for pods of them to be hanging close together and don’t be surprised to run into larger schools as well…
Redfish – This is one of my favorite months of the year for redfish. These fish will be joining forces in huge schools scouring the flats for their next meal. A lot of the redfish will be upper to over-slot fish but tons of fun to catch!
With water temps as hot as they are and if the fish are acting too sluggish to chase down a lure, don’t be afraid to slow things down a bit. Maybe even save one or two of those pesky pinfish or lady fish to use for a little cut bait. Sometimes a piece of chunk bait on a circle hook can be the golden ticket!
Make sure to be safe, stay hydrated, and respect your fellow anglers on the waters at all times! There is plenty enough water out there for everyone. Tight lines and Tight knots to all! Eric Henson is the owner of Casting Kayaks LLC a guided kayak fishing company out of Sarasota Florida. He specializes in inshore light tackle or fly fishing from Tampa Bay to Charlotte Harbor. To book a guided fishing trip with Eric check out his website www.CastingKayaks.com or give him a call at 941-504-1349