by Capt. Sam O’Briant
This month we are still feeling the dog days of summer. The water temperatures are running close to if not over 90 degrees. This generally means that the fish are looking for any cooler place they can find. This could be a deeper hole or an overhanging tree. It could also mean that they may develop a case of what appears to be lock jaw. This also means we humans need to watch our health closely. We need to be aware of the heat and how it affects us.
So, what can we look for or where and when should we go fishing?
The first thing we need to consider this time of year is where can we avoid the thunderstorms? Generally, if we go early in the morning we can be home before the heat really builds and the thunderstorms start roaming around the area. Of course, this year it seems as if the norm has not been the usual. There have been many days with morning storms and a hot afternoon.
Next, where do we go? As mentioned earlier, I would look along any of the mangrove lined islands, especially under the overhanging trees that are providing shade. If you can find a shoreline with decent moving water, toss your bait in the shade and let it drift along the shore. If you toss it enough times a snook may get tired of seeing it go by and strike at it.
Another area you should give a chance is the deeper holes. If you have been fishing the shallows and moved out, be sure to adjust your fishing depth below your cork. You do not need to fish right on the bottom, but you do need to get in the strike zone.
If you start out early enough you can always try fishing some of the grass flats. They will heat up fast as the sun gets higher, thus fishing early while some of the fish are cruising the cooler water may prove beneficial. They may be upon the flats looking for food since these areas are some of the most productive nurseries for all the food most fish like.
Another thing you may want to think about is maybe taking a few weeks off and refresh your equipment and boat while avoiding the heat. The fall fishing season is just around the corner and we need to be ready for it.
One fish that is in early stages of recovery is the short bill sawfish. There is a good chance you may catch one in the shallows of our creeks and rivers or along the mangrove shorelines. If you do catch one, be sure to call the information into the sawfish hot line so we can learn more and help continue their recovery.
Redfish will be in the shade, so floating cut-bait under the trees is your best bet. The illusive snook will also be in the same areas looking for live bait.
If you take young kids out, use shrimp and be happy with whatever they catch, for they will love it. Until next month be safe and take a kid fishing.