Water temperatures have soared and made midday bites tough. Early morning and late day fishing has produced the most steady bite. The incoming tide brings cooler water and stimulates lethargic species into eating. Look for deeper dropoffs along with rocky ledges that hold a good food source.
Lower tides early in the day have funneled fish off the flats and into white potholes on the outskirts of grass flats. Topwaters and gold spoons have been deadly on redfish at first light. Most of the fish on the backsides of Honeymoon Island and Three Rooker Bar have been at the top of the slot or bigger. If a red is hooked in an area, stake the boat and work it thoroughly, as they have started to school up. If the fish are there but reluctant to eat the artificial, rig up with some shrimp under a cork.
The majority of snook have been located in early fall transitional spots. Most are 24 to 30 inches and are biting aggressively on stronger lunar phases. Time your best spots with the major moon phase to increase productivity. Incoming water will flush baitfish past points and dropoffs where the linesiders await an easy meal. Present your offering as part of the natural food chain coming into these strike zones.
Jim Huddleston charters out of Tampa, Palm Harbor and Clearwater and can be reached at 727 439-9017 or at jim@captainhud.com
