By Capt. Dave Stephens
We managed to make it to September, with the past months being hot, hot.
Charlotte Harbor has a lot of good things going on. For one, we should start seeing prey that reds like to feed on—things such as small shrimp, crabs, and baitfish.
The fishery in Southwest Florida is known for its red fish, and this year is looking to be one that will not disappoint. Over the past couple of weeks, the red fish fishery has been very good. We have been doing very well on the higher tides, fishing points with good tidal flow. It does not matter as much as the tide direction as the height. If the water is up, the fish are hungry. As the water gets lower, the bars or potholes have been producing really well. Especially bars with oyster humps or deep cuts in them. Also, on the lower water, reds will follow schools of mullet.
While mullet are vegetarians, they stir up the bottom and forage that reds feed on. Live baits such as pilchards and pin fish have been the baits of choice.
If you like to toss around some artificial lures, baits such as gold spoons are hard to beat, and soft plastics are a go-to choice. Another option is cut bait, such as lady fish and mullet.
We have still been having success at putting some really nice tarpon to the boat. Most of these fish have been hanging outside of large schools of herring or ladyfish schools. Getting an early start will help to locate rolling fish in the calm waters. This is a hard time of year to beat, so get out there and see what awaits.
— Capt. Dave Stephens
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