[dropcap]J[/dropcap]uly is here, and Coastal Anglers love this month. Hopefully, the rains will stay away. The salinity of the bays and bayous will rise. Yes it will be hot! For coastal anglers trading rain and wind for heat is a fine trade.
I’m Ron, and I’m all about fishing.
Speckled trout are moving steadily up the bays and bayous. Recently, I have seen some good numbers of speckled trout taken. Additionally, sizes of speckled trout have been impressive. Most of the large trout are being taken on live croakers. If you can’t find live croakers, then live shrimp would be my fall-back bait. If you lean towards artificial baits, I would recommend voodoo shrimp. Right now, fishing around rock or concrete structures appears to be paying off. If you keep moving, you’ll find the trout. Tide can be a critical factor to each location, and it can affect each location differently.
By the time this article comes out, the big bull redfish should be moving in and around piers along the coast. Quite frankly, I am always impressed by huge bull reds that are taken each summer off the gulf coast piers. Where else can a coastal angler have really good chance of taking a trophy fish without a boat, and thousands of dollars worth of gear? As for bait, my first choice, again, would be live croakers, live shrimp, and cut bait. Bull reds are not as picky in their bait choices as speckled trout (usually) are–mostly, because they are such voracious eaters.
Flounder numbers have been picking up along sea walls. Live shrimp and small croakers have been producing good numbers of flounder all along the coast. White and chartreuse- colored artificial baits have also been working pretty well. White trout numbers seem to have fallen. This may be because right now most coastal anglers are not targeting white trout.
It’s game-on right now. Load your cooler and tackle up, and drive to a pier. It’s fun, doesn’t cost much, and in July, it’ll pay off with fish.
I’m Ron and I’m all about fishing.
by Ron “The Pirate” Johnson
[easy-social-share]