Outdoors

Inshore: Warm water conditions force change in approach

The dog days of summer are upon us. The water temperature on the flats is around 95 degrees, making the water murky.

By ROB GORTA, Times correspondent
Published July 20, 2007

The dog days of summer are upon us. The water temperature on the flats is around 95 degrees, making the water murky.

I have changed my tactics in locating schools of redfish. Sightcasting for fish in my more reliable spots has slowed down because the water is so warm and dirty. During my days off, I run around looking for new schools to target. Recently, I was lucky enough to locate a school in clear water along a bay area beach. To my surprise, these fish were even spookier than the schools that I normally target. While push-poling, the sound of waves slapping the boat hull drove these fish off of the flat and into deeper water. Take extreme care in your approach to a school and do not land your bait near the fish. Watch the fish for some time and figure out what direction they are moving, then make a cast in front of the school, so the bait has time to settle before the fish get close.

Pinfish are everywhere on the flats, so that has been my bait of choice. The number of fish caught is way down, but the fish are so large that it makes it worthwhile to target them.

Snook fishing along the beach is still strong. It does not seem to matter if the tide is coming in or going out, as long as it is moving. I pick a spot along a beach and drop the anchor. Snook are constantly moving along the beach looking for food, so staying in one spot and waiting for fish to swim by has been the most productive method.

Threadfin herring has been my favorite bait; they are big and not as fast as a large scaled sardine. They are an easy target for the snook.

Tarpon fishing has slowed down along the bay area beaches. There are still fish moving along the coast, but they are traveling mostly as singles, doubles or triples, not as huge pods like they were about a month ago. The sky has to be free of clouds and the water has to be clear to spot these single travelers. Patience is needed, so expect to sit at anchor a long time waiting for fish to move through. If you are looking large numbers of fish, run to upper Tampa Bay and look for rolling fish. This can be hit or miss, and you'll use a lot of fuel doing all that scouting.

Pompano fishing is still hot on the flats off of Mullet Key. These fish provide fast action and are fun on light tackle, not to mention great table fare.

Banana jigs are the easiest lure to use. Make a long cast and let the jig settle to the bottom, then snap it up and let it settle. Keep working it in the same manner all the way to the boat. This past week, I caught ladyfish, jacks, mackerel, cobia, pinfish, grunts, and pompano using yellow banana jigs.

[Last modified July 20, 2007, 03:04:56]