[dropcap]H[/dropcap]istorically, the month of August brings with her some sweltering heat. The fish- ing, on the other hand, can be just as hot if you are willing to target multiple species during a fishing trip.
Redfish, trout, flounder, black drum, mackerel, tarpon, triple tail and sheepshead are roaming around the flats this month. Diversifying your tackle arsenal is a great way to catch a trophy inshore species. I’ll be equipped with three different rods this month to tackle any one of these fish. The first is a medium-heavy rod paired with a 6000 size spinning reel, spooled with 50# braid. Rig this setup with a 4/0 circle hook tied to 60# fluorocarbon leader and have a few pinfish or mullet in the live well to pitch to a tarpon or cobia drifting the flats. The second setup is a medium action 7’6” rod paired with a 3000 size reel and spooled with 20# braid. I will usually fish this using a Heddon One Knocker or a MirroLure Top Dog; target oyster bars or grass lines early in the morning to catch redfish and trout. The third setup I bring is a 7’6” medium-light pole also paired with a 3000 size reel. I will use 10# braid on this setup to be able to throw a variety of weedless baits and spoons. Shallow oyster flats, grass lines and pot holes will hold any one of the above listed species.
There have been some good reports of anglers fishing the Turkey Point area catching good numbers of redfish. These fish are being caught on Aqua Dream Living Spoons in gold. Trout have been somewhat elusive in the mid-day hours but are being caught early in the morning and late in the evening. Tie on a large topwater bait to mimic the larger finger mullet and work the bait near an oyster bar, grass line or pothole.
Historically, the areas in front of the Carrabelle River and Ochlocknee River will produce a higher number of fish in the warmer months due to the bait that congregates in the mouth of the river and the fresh water influence the river provides. Target the exposed bars in the mouth of both rivers for flounder, drum, redfish and trout.
Cobia are still being caught over all of our near shore and offshore structures. I’ve been getting reports of multiple cobia hook ups from anglers fishing out of Mashes Sands to the Carrabelle River. These fish are being caught on live pinfish close to the bottom. Grouper are also a main topic of conversation with offshore anglers this month. Most reports I receive are anglers fishing live bot- tom and structure starting around 60 feet.
Fall is right around the corner and with it comes the better months of the year to fish. Look to these warm summer months to catch fish out of your comfort zone. The Big Bend has one of the best fisheries in the entire state, so get out, support your local tackle shop and bend a rod!
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