[dropcap]T[/dropcap]hankfully, September marks the last month of hot summer weather. Inshore fishing may still be slow because of this, but with a few of these tips you may see greater results. Try fishing for specks near the drop offs of Town Beach, as well as Pompano Point all the way to the Tip. I suggest using a popping cork with a soft plastic to get around the grass. Your last day for scalloping is September 24 and the shallows around Black’s Island are producing great amounts of scallops this year. I have heard that most boats are reaching their limit every day.
This summer, Apalachicola Bay has received relentless rains and strong winds. This has kept it muddy and full of fresh water, making it more difficult to fish. You may still find reds in Indian Lagoon, and specks are being caught towards Apalachicola around Tree Top, The Platform and Dry Bar. I always suggest soft plastics in this bay for trout and reds. Work them slow near the bottom or under a popping cork will be your best bet. For a big pull, the bay has been full of black drum. I have been seeing them tailing on the oyster beds around Indian Pass. Remember to bulk up on your tackle, because these beasts will range from 25 to 50 pounds and can be real tackle testers. They love a slow sinking MirrOlure and rarely pass them up. Good luck and Good Fishing!
By Captain Hal Tarpley
Shore Thang Charters
www.shorethangfishing.com