It’s the dog days, and it’s hot. But the fishing on the flats and backcountry around Key Largo is good this time of year, with most of the fish moving and feeding early in the morning, late in the afternoon and also at night. This just happens to be the most comfortable time for anglers as well.
With the warm water temperatures of August, most of the big tarpon will be gone, but the little guys will stick around on the ocean-side flats and in the backcountry. And size is relative; the little guys can be up to 60 pounds. Imagine yourself deep in the Everglades, sight casting in tight confines to multiple tarpon in the 30- to 60-pound range. It doesn’t get any better than that. Of course you’ll have to find the right day; this kind of fishing can be hit or miss.
While searching for tarpon in the backcountry, there are always opportunities at snook, redfish and sharks. Big snook up to 15 pounds and larger are regulars, and the redfish bite can offer some of the best action of the year late summer through early fall in the mangroves. You can catch them however you like, with flies, artificials or live bait.
And if the flats are your destination, a flats slam is a good possibility because permit and bonefish, along with that previously mentioned tarpon, will be active in gin-clear water. This month and next can also offer great conditions for fly fishing. Late summer typically features clear water and light winds, which is excellent for shallow-water sight casting. Just remember that the morning, between 6 and 10 a.m., and the evening, between 4 and 8 p.m., will offer the best action. That’s perfect timing for lunch and an early afternoon nap in the hammock.
If you’d rather sleep during the day, night fishing is another option, and it can be spectacular. Fewer anglers will be on the water, nighttime temperatures are more comfortable, and the fish will be feeding actively for those same reasons. Tarpon, snook and big snappers can be found feeding around the cuts and passes in good numbers. The best action is frequently after about 10 p.m. and lasts until daylight. Because it is nighttime, and visibility is low, it can be better to leave the fly rods behind and fish live bait, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen if you’re dead-set on fishing artificials.
Don’t let the heat keep you locked down in the air conditioning. The fish are out there waiting for someone to catch them, and the relatively short jaunt to Key Largo will put you right on top of some of the best shallow-water fishing in the world.
