Dodge the Scallopers, Catch the Fish
Scallop season is in full swing right now, and thousands of boats are making the grass flats look like LA traffic. If you are one of them, the Anclote Key Lighthouse is the southern boundary, and they typically hang out from there up to the Cotee River. But, if you are like me and would rather fish, you may want to avoid that entire area from mid-morning to sunset. Luckily, the sandbars are way less populated during the season, which allows you to chase after the newly lonely snook that hang out there! I like to fish the west side of the sandbar on the outgoing and the east side on the incoming tide. Drifting pilchards across the beach is a great way to catch snook, but you will likely find other critters like houndfish, trout, ladyfish and jacks in that same area.
Early mornings are going to be your friend in Pasco during scallop season, and the evening may be your best friend. Some of the best redfishing you will do all summer will be during this time when the fish haven’t been pressured as much. Cut bait is going to be the key! It is common for our flats to reach the low 90’s in temp, and the fish get lethargic and aren’t trying to chase their meal around. Making it easy for them, makes it more productive for you.
This is a very busy but fantastic month to live in or visit the Pasco County waters. Whether you want to catch trophies or snorkel for dinner, be safe out there and please be courteous to your fellow divers and fisherman! There is plenty of water for all of us!