Capt. Rick Davidson (grassflats2@yahoo.com), Editor
Well, it's been the best scallop season in many years, and there are still a few days left if you haven't had your fill of small tasty bivalves. We sincerely hope that all of you that spent some time with us during scallop season will make plans to come back for some of the best fishing of the year--the fall season. While water temperatures inshore were as high as 90 degrees, later on in the month we measured temperatures in the mid-80s. This change, along with the decrease in floating grass, provided us with improving inshore action, especially in terms of redfish. There were still great numbers of keeper trout available in deeper water, while the flats were full of shorter fish. There are also plenty of large bluefish, jacks, ladyfish and Spanish mackerel as the large schools of baitfish are moving through the area, both inshore and offshore. Here's a cleaning table picture from the last weekend of the month, and check out this fine upper-slot redfish caught by Aaron Hunt near the Pepperfish Keys.
I've had some good trips this month. About mid-month, we found some great early morning redfish action on a flood tide in close to shore. Near the end of the month, I took Doug Barrett out on a rainy Sunday and we found this nice bruiser of a trout, along with lots of smaller fish, and a mixed bag of pelagic following the schools of baitfish.
Offshore, I've heard some captains saying this has been one of the best grouper seasons in many years. As is usual for this time of year, the fish are in deeper water and very responsive to bottom fishing with squid or live bait, and kingfish are plentiful, so it's always a good idea to put out a live bait on a float when bottom fishing to pick up the occasional kingfish or cobia that wanders by.
September Fishing Forecast
Not surprisingly, fishing will be getting better and better as we progress through the fall. Dropping water temperatures, the departure of the scallop fleet, and more stable weather (barring any tropical problems) will change the scene considerably. You can expect steady action on the flats as larger trout move into shallower water following bait schools, and large schools of jacks, ladyfish and bluefish will keep your rod bent. Fish topwater plugs early in the day or jigs with Gulp tails. Migrating baitfish are generally heading south, and have travel paths. Position your boat so that the schools will be passing close to your location and fish the edges of the schools. If you are further offshore, consider using a 12 inch piece of light wire leader to prevent cutoffs from Spanish mackerel. If you want to attract the action to you, consider throwing a chum block over the side. You should have all the baitfish around your boat in 30 minutes or so, and there will be sharks as well as cobia, blue runners, and lots of others. Offshore, as the temps decrease and the floating grass diminishes, trolling lipped plugs becomes more of an option for grouper. Remember that red snapper season is now closed, but there's lots of bottom fishing options on live bottom. September, October and November are great months for fishing our area. Stop by the Ship's Store for the most recent tips and all the tackle you could possibly need, plus live and dead bait and chum blocks. We're anxiously looking forward to the next few months after a long hot summer.
Here are some reports from our guides:
Capt. Brian Smith www.bigbendcharters.com
It is the end of August, 'the dog days', when the temps and humidity are running high, and sweat running strong down red necks, following gravity through body creases, to the deck. It is the peak of summer in the southeast, Florida being at the hottest end of the peak. Unless you care to drop big bucks on fuel to go fishing deep water, adjust. Pop-up electrical storms aren't to be unexpected. Electrical storms occur in the mornings and in the evenings. Those types of storms have been occurring since, well, before you and I were even thought about. Long distance travel offshore, at times, even in a 'go fast boat', can put folks in a sparkling situation of fear.
Solution? Change the target species! Grouper aren't the only fish that swims the Gulf. They are prized, yes, but, worth the venture or expenditure? Bust out the lightweight gear, go to your old, closer in, grouper haunts targeting the ubiquitous Florida snapper, and enjoy. High points-- (1) you can still pitch a couple of baits off the stern for grouper or a stray kingfish; circle hooks are wonderful for 'Rod-holder Rod'. (2) Florida snapper are running large after of summertime of feeding. (3) Florida snapper fillets are delicious fried; I love eating them and so does my wife, Gina. (4) Any bait you have will work, I use a chunk of 'Gulp' to start with, and then cut bait. (5) You save big money in fuel. (6) You can start later, avoiding the possible morning storms. And (7) you get in early, avoiding the afternoon 'boomers' to have the fish fry you wanted in the first place.
Let's summarize: you get to sleep in, catch all the fish you want and maybe a surprise, you're less likely to encounter storms, the bait is cheap, you save on expensive fuel, you come in early, and have a fantastic meal before exhaustion and without frustration. Tell me the down side of that. I'm always up for a short, a fast action-fishing trip and a great meal before 8:00 pm. Sometimes, we overlook what is staring us in the face, in search of more challenging fare. Go with the flow and enjoy the offerings and savings. Ain't nothing wrong with that, is there?
When the air/water temperatures reprieve, the grouper bite will come in just like it has historically: when baitfish migrate south. Pushing Mother Nature will cost you; it is better to glean what she offers now and wait for what you want later. If you got lots of disposable income, go for it! The best grouper bite is 80 foot or better, enjoy.
Capt. Tommy Thompson www.saltwateranglersguide.com, www.flanaturecoast.com/capttommy
There are still lots of redfish and trout, but like smart anglers, they're up early and get cooler by mid- to late-morning. Water temperatures have been unusually 'cool' since the middle of August, so the fish have been feeding a bit more than usual. We've been fishing early and getting back to the dock just about the time the scallopers are rolling out of bed. And now that the scallops have migrated northwards toward Dallus Creek and Big Grass Island (and the season is ending), the great shorelines to the south of the river have become less busy--and the fish are less spooky. September will still be hot, and I plan to continue 6-hour fishing trips through the month and into the fall. I did a few scallop trips for some out-of-town friends--had some great times and some great dinners, especially the one of 'Greek Scallops' made by Chef Jim Hunt at Fiddler's Restaurant!
My new fishing guide book, The Saltwater Angler's Guide To Florida's Big Bend and Emerald Coast, is out and on sale. It's got LOTS of secrets, tips and trick, so don't forget to pick up a copy at the Sea Hag Ship's Store the next time you're at the marina. Learn more about the book at www.saltwateranglersguide.com
If you're interested in a 'catch-and-release hunting for big fish' trip, please give me a call. I'm booking 6-hour morning trips until it cools off in October. And if you're interested in some more in-depth information about fishing our beautiful Big Bend, take a look at my weekly Fishing4Cast on the Florida Sportsman Magazine website at http://www.floridasportsman.com/4cast/bb/index.html or at the Florida Sportsman Big Bend Action Spotter column in each month's issue.
Captain Steve Hart, www.legallimitscharters.com (352) 498-0299
Scallop season has been a blast, despite reports that we would have an off year the scallops have been plentiful. Now that we are closing the page on scallops it is time to get back to some serious fishing. While the summer fishing has been good overall, l I am looking forward to cooler weather and
hopefully shorter boat rides. As we move into the cooler months, grouper fishing should get better in the 50 / 60 foot range. Red snapper went out of season Aug. 15 but we can find some great substitutes; there are plenty of Florida snapper and black sea bass. I am looking forward to some great fall
fishing and hope to see you in Steinhatchee soon.
