Hurricane season is here and so are some exotic species of fish off the coast of Martin County. August is one of the slower months for all around fishing in this area but with picking specific species to target, the fishing can be world-class. August is a great month for mutton snapper, wahoo, tuna and swordfish. Fishing for these tasty species is good the entire month but peaks a week preceding the full moon. Tuna up to 100 pounds are plentiful on the east side of the Gulf Stream. Trolling lures and ballyhoo is the best option for targeting these fish. It is imperative to have radar to mark birds when targeting yellowfin tuna. Fishing for swordfish both daytime and nighttime is great. In August, though, nighttime is when we get the most bites when targeting swordfish, however, the fish are typically smaller than what we see the rest of the year. High speed trolling for wahoo along ledges and wrecks in deep water produces good numbers of wahoo between 15 and 50 pounds. Pull lures at speeds up to 15 knots on 50 pound tackle. Fishing along the inshore reefs we have great mutton snapper fishing with fish up to 20 plus pounds. Fishing grunt heads or chunk baits from fresh bonito works great. Ideal conditions would be a 1/2 to 2 knots of current. Using 60 foot leaders from 30 to 60 pound test is recommended. Target specific species during August and enjoy great August fishing!
