By: Capt. Billy Norris
The bite has continued to be productive both offshore and inshore. It’s that time of year where we see rain most afternoons, but the fact that it’s remaining consistent has been keeping the fish patterns in line. The water has warmed up to summertime temperatures, fluctuating between the upper 80s and low 90s. Aside from one tropical depression this past month, we have been able to get out nearly every day, and the fish haven’t disappointed!
The backwaters are loaded with snook right now. Nearly every dock, mangrove island, and oyster bar have snook prowling around them. For a bait of choice, you can’t beat live pilchards in the backwaters. Look for them in the mornings right up along the shoreline, and the easiest way to do it is slowly cruising the shoreline at a comfortable depth (2-3 feet deep) and visually scan the shoreline. When you see what looks like raindrops in areas, that’s your target! Approach them slowly as to not spook them, and you should be able to load your live wells up. In addition, there have been plenty of snapper, redfish, and even some juvenile tarpon actively taking baits.
The nearshore bite has been great as well! It’s that time of year where the bigger snook have pushed out to the nearshore wrecks and reefs. We have been consistently putting slot and over-slot sized fish on board. For offshore snook, our bait of choice is either large threadfin herring, or the biggest pinfish you can get your hands on. This past month we have been crushing the big snook, and even though their season is closed, they are still a blast to battle! The nearshore wrecks and reefs are absolutely loaded with sharks right now and it has been nonstop shark action, landing blacktips, spinners, sandbars, hammerheads and even some tigers! Shark fishing is pretty self-explanatory, so as long as you have gear that is up to the challenge and are in the right spot, you will be set up for a drag-screaming day on the water.
Offshore this past month has yielded a solid bite as well. Several trips we filled the coolers with mangrove, yellowtail and big lane snappers. The gag grouper bite has been solid as well, although the state has their season shut down this year for all but a few days. American red snapper is still open on certain days through the summer too, so if you’re looking to get out there and catch some bigger snapper then now is your time.
This past month has been great fishing, and from what we can tell, the rest of summer is looking like it’s going to be stellar too! If you’d like to get out on the water and make your own adventure, give us a call and book your trip with Pale Horse today.