[dropcap]H[/dropcap]ot water, hot water and a little more hot water…that is the story for the offshore water in August. There are still plenty of fish to be caught…you just have to change your tactics a bit.
The primary offshore targets in August are much the same as in July â mostly smaller âbailerâ size mahi, some sailfish and white marlin, and then a random mix of other species. The wahoo should start showing up in better numbers again later in the month. Since the fish are spread out, my first tip (just like in July) is donât overrun them. Start at some of the wrecks/reefs nearer to shore and work your way out from there. These spots will have hot water, but you will usually not have the current from the Gulf Stream to deal with, and these spots almost always hold bait and other smaller species of fish that the pelagics will feed on. Obviously, if you can find a good grass line, then you should work it. The main points for August: first, you are not going to find big temp changes this time of year and second, the larger fish will be spread out chasing the smaller fish, which tend to move closer to shore. Donât just blindly set course for an offshore âspotâ because you caught fish there in May â those fish are now ghosts. Things have changed, so you need to change also!
If I go fun fishing in August, I tend to leave the dock looking for a mixed bag. I will head to a wreck or reef not too far out and drop some lines in â if the fish cooperate there, thatâs great; if not, I will drop to the bottom and see what is around. Then I’ll head on to the next spot, and so on…always being vigilant for floating debris or grass lines or anything else which would be worth investigating. If I find grass or debris, I usually prospect with some small stuff â dolphin weenies, monk lures, maybe small naked ballyhoo rigged with a circle hook. If the bailers are there, they will come on out. Every year, there are some very nice wahoo caught in shallow water (at areas like Atlas Tanker or Northwest Places) and there are a few sailfish also â like I said, donât overrun the fish when the water heats up.
If and when you do get a little farther offshore, remember to keep it small. Most of the gamefish are smaller, and the sails and whites actually prefer a small ballyhoo. Take the opportunity to practice using circle hook rigs…there is a learning curve, but once you figure it out, you will learn to love the things! Keep some chum handy to toss out along larger grass mats or under debris to prospect for the bailers, and then to keep them going once you find them. You can always get out early and try to catch some bailers, then depending on where you are, you can ease out to look for a whitey or work the green water for a sail â or just check out a few bottom spots and go home with a nice mixed bag.
Either way you go, there are still plenty of options to get offshore and make a day of it. Keep in mind, it is very hot and the August sun can be brutal â make sure you have adequate protection (shade, hats, sunscreen, etc..) and please carry and drink a lot more water than beer! Fun and fellowship should always be the primary goal, âcatchingâ is the bonus!