Snook remain scattered throughout their range. While it is possible to get several off a single spot, for the most part covering lots of ground has been the key to success. Efforts are best placed in the deeper drop offs and troughs. While it is completely possible to find them in the skinny, the water temperatures are above their comfort range. Flats that are adjacent to these deep-water spots will see the fish moving to them at night and particularly on the high tide.

Reds are being caught in more frequency. A particular pattern on the fish has been tough to establish. But by working the upper 1/3 of a flood tide around points, oyster bars and cul-de-sacs eventually you will hit them. However, this could be several miles away from where they were just the day before. Many of these fish are over sized. In fact one trip last week produced 11 bulls landed, but none that were below the upper slot of 27 inches. Traditionally red fishing will remain strong the next few months with the peak coming in October.

Tarpon are continuing to play hide and seek. For those who were willing to risk it all, only 2 of my last 4 trips have been successful in testing their mettle against the silver king. While .500 is a phenomenal batting average in professional baseball, it often falls short in professional fishing. Water conditions have become worse in the Bay the last week. Schools of menhaden have been difficult to locate, and the wind has been blowing near everyday. These types of conditions make finding them in a feeding mode difficult. However, they can not be ruled out. It has been typical in years past to get an early fall bite on these fish as the move to the lower reaches of the Bay. When this will be is simply a matter of being out there. To the north, I still am seeing fish in a remote location. They have not been feeding enough to rig for them. While fishing for snook in the isolated hole, a couple of fish have taken advantage of our offerings only to pop the leader or spool the reel intended for much smaller species. Backwaters will produce juvenile fish to 50lbs in the next few months. The best spots are now common knowledge in the area. These fish do not respond the sardines as they did when they were virgins to the bait and were unpressured a few years back. However, at the right times they will eat and prove to be the final ingredient in a fall grand slam (snnok, redfish, trout, tarpon).

Spanish mackerel continues to gorge on the hatchlings of scaled sardines and threadfin herring just about everywhere. It is looking as though the fish will be a strong front runner this fall.

Mango snapper can be found in the bait as well. They are definitely staging in all the ol’ familiar places in preparation for the spawn. Rock lined holes, oyster bars, rip raff, dredge, rock piles, docks and mangrove tree lines will all hold these tasty fish. Though they are the same fish found offshore, the characteristics in fooling them in shallow water make one believe they are two different fish. This is a true finesse type fishing that requires just the right touch to set the hook before they bite. Fishing them at night with old friends has been a tradition with me for many years. The competition is intense on these outings that result in the crowning of the top dog, a fish fry, cold beer and fond memories.

Though the fish are moving slowly but surely in correlation to the decreasing hours of light, a mild cool front will get things going and prove the final component to fall fishing.

Screaming drags and tired arms!