Panacea Fishing Report: August 2014

Wade Godsey fights a huge tarpon that ate a trout, on light tackle, for 54 minutes until the leader broke.
Wade Godsey fights a huge tarpon that ate a trout, on light tackle, for 54 minutes until the leader broke.

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he 90 degree plus days are commonplace in August. The thunder storms come and go but the fish continue to bite. As the temperature rises fish go deeper to find cooler water; that said, fish early in the morning and late in the evening and find the edge of channels or a similar spot with deeper water nearby. Look for bait activity on the surface and head towards the school for action. Trout are settling in around spotty bottom grass beds and ambush points for sneak attacks. Redfish are cruising the shorelines and creek mouths on the high tide eating all sorts of bait fish and will not hesitate to jump on a Zara Spook in bone. D.O.A. 1/8oz jig head with a glow, gold or glitter 5.5 jerk bait will make a hungry predator leave their hiding spot to attack.
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Tarpon are moving through the area and anglers have seen several aerial displays and long fights on light tackle by accident and on purpose. I’ve heard of quite a few instances where a 70-100lb fish slurped up a hooked trout or an artificial that was presented near their nose.

Most of the cobia action seems to be in federal waters where folks are targeting gag and red grouper. The grouper bite should remain active in 25-35ft but the fish will move deeper as the temperature increases.

Three generations of Jordan’s showing off Aiden’s big trout.
Three generations of Jordan’s showing off Aiden’s big trout.

Sharks are everywhere. Simply drop a live or cut bait under a cork and hang on! Kingfish and Spanish mackerel are still attacking bait schools near Marker 24 and beyond. Keep an eye on the weather reports and remember to take a kid fishing to teach them to be responsible in the outdoors. Happy fishing and good luck!

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