This time of year fishing can be difficult . But a few ideas come to mind to make it a successful trip. First, take into condition the time of year. Summer is hot! The inshore water temperature here at Bayport- Aripeka area is holding at 87 degrees. This means fish early in the morning or late in the evening. If you can fish right after a good rain the water will be cooled and the fish will be biting. Also if possible fish the incoming tide. This brings the cooler gulf water inshore making the lethargic fish more inclined to eat. When fishing artificials in the summer, slow your presentation down just a touch. Fish tend to be slower, just like us, in the heat. Fall is around the corner, and I expect a great fall fishing season this year. The cooler water and shorter days, will bring the Spanish Mackerel and the larger trout out of the deeper water onto the flats as well as the grouper into 6-12 foot of water. The redfish will also be schooling up.
Snook season opens September 1. Just remember the slot size-must be no less than 28 inches and not over 33 inches. An angler may keep one snook per day. Handle the oversized and undersized fish with care because these are our future stocks and breeders. Snook are found along mangrove shorelines, seawalls, bridges, and pilings. They can be caught on a variety of lures, such as jigs, soft plastic baits, top water plugs, or live white bait or pinfish. My favorite is top water plugs-chug bugs, zarra spooks and top pups.
There is nothing like the excitement of a snook crashing the top water plug. What a rush! In this area, I have caught snook in the 13-18 pound range. The snook are not as plentiful as they are more south, but those we have are larger and scrappier. The Florida record is 44 pounds, 3 ounces. Join me on the flats and let’s break the record.

Tight lines and screaming drags,
Captain Larry Roderick
8/26/07