20180819

Summer Fishing ( June - July 2018 )

The warm weather has kept most of the action out on the deeper grass and shallow rocks in 8' to 12' of water.  The trout bite has slowed inshore and is getting spotty further out.  The best bet has been rock hopping, using live shrimp and fresh cut bait, and although we're still catching some nice trout; snapper, grunts, sea bass, flounder, and Spanish mackerel have made up for the slow trout action.

Back inshore- red fish are still "King", have been keeping my clients happy.  On the incoming tide, all the points and rocky bottom areas are producing some quality fish.  We're landing many fish over the 27" range.  Fresh cut mullet and pin fish have been working well as the bait of choice.  Especially with the shrimp being almost impossible to get, and when they do have them they are tiny.  This is a yearly occurrence, but this year it's been very hard finding live shrimp.  As we get into August, the shrimping will improve. Along with the reds, there have been some nice snook that are making these areas their summer home.  Live shrimp when you can get them,  and pin fish have been producing the best results.

July has brought a lot of rain and wind.    With the strong winds and thunder storms you have to pick your days to get off shore to the shallow rocks to target all the species that have been supplying plenty of action. Red snapper, cobia, mangrove snapper, and both gag and red grouper have all been good bets.

Scallop season is in full force, and the boat ramps are all packed, especially on weekends.  There have been an abundance of scallops from Chassahowitzka to Crystal River in 5-8 feet of water.  Low tide is the best time to go, or 2 hours before low tide and 2 hours after the change of tide seems to be when the scallops are more plentiful and easy to harvest.


With all the boats out on the water and hundreds of people scalloping, please be careful around any boat displaying the diver down flag.  Use slow speed when ever you work your way thru the scallop fleet, and be patient at the boat ramp.  I've witnessed some tempers explode while people are waiting their turn to put in and take out their boats.

Be safe and enjoy your time on the water.    See you out there !!     Capt Mark


AUGUST 2018 - Summer of Redfish !

August has been hot and so has the Redfishing !  The red fish bite has been the best on the incoming tide around the islands and rocky point...