Hello anglers! August is upon us and most of us know what that means…hot, hot, and more hot! There will be plenty to do out there, as most migratory fish are loving our panhandle water temperatures and bait fish are thriving throughout our bay system.
BAY: I would suggest you tie up an arsenal to cover the bases: top-water plugs, soft plastics, slip sinker and free lined rigs for live bait will all produce trout and redfish in the shallows. I suggest early and late, but if you catch the tide moving, you have a good shot any time of the day. I like to work the shallow flats early, then move to docks, bridges and rocks as the day progresses. Plenty of mangrove snapper, redfish, sea bass and others will be caught this month near inshore structure. Live shrimp, and a variety of live baitfish will draw strikes around structure. Also keep a spoon or Gotcha Plug tied up for those surface disturbances.
GULF: The reefs just offshore will be covered with fish. You can troll duster rigged cigars, free line live cigars or herring, or drop cut and live bait on or near these reefs this month and get bites from many different species of fish. Just remember the closer you are to the bank, the more important it is to rig light and go stealthy. They’ve seen the 8 oz. lead on 100 lb. test leader before.
SURF: Sharks will be everywhere! Catch some ladyfish, hard tails or bonito on a spoon or Gotcha Plug, then you have fantastic fresh cut bait. You can also toss that hard tail out there live on a larger surf rod. Be sure you have plenty of line on that reel and a wire stinger on the business end for those big kings. If you are targeting sharks, be sure to check the FWC website for the shark fishing regulations, there have been some recent changes. Pompano will be schooling along our beaches all summer. Sand fleas or shrimp fished on light bottom rigs will produce.
Thanks for reading. Fish on!
CAPT. JASON SHINGLER
Adrenaline On H20
Panama City, FL
(850) 348-2282