August fishing outlook

Report Date: August 3, 2007

Catchin' Report – Redfish and scallops Rule...

Summertime on the west central flats of The Nature Coast is Redfish and scallop time!! This year, it seems like the big school reds are a little late showing up. There are plenty around but you have to hunt for them. We have been catchin' good numbers of line stretchers, some over the slot size of 27 inches. Remember when fishing for reds, stealth approach and quiet is the key. Water clarity in our area is crystal clear and when you can see the fish, they have already seen you. Use the tide and wind to quietly float into position, being careful to ease the anchor out so you are just within casting range. Tip-for the longest casts, use the smallest diameter line possible and be sure your spool is full. I use PowerPro line-10 lb test with a 4 lb diameter. This line is strong, abrasive resistant and casts a country mile and will handle a large red or any other big fish with a good reel with a good drag system. I usually set my drag lighter than normal. You can tighten the drag while fighting a fish, but it’s hard to loosen it withour breaking off if it’s set too tight. You can use your thumb and index finger to apply pressure to the spool, while fighting a big ol’ red without having to tighten the drag.

Occasionally, while fishing the flats you get a suprise. We have had several Tarpon catches and hookups on light tackle this year while fishing for Reds. However, always carry a heavy action rig on board rigged for tarpon or cobia. You never know when one may swim by the boat and being prepared means the difference between a successful hookup and battle or just a sightseeing trip.

Scallopers have had good success on the grass flats off Crystal River and Homosassa. Most folks are getting their limits, if they look hard enough. Try deeper water from 5-7 feet. The water clarity is excellent in our area. Much better than the report I get from the scallop areas to the north. So, give me a call or email and book a half day trip and we will take you and show you where these tasty little morsels live.

Trout fishing will continue to be spotty. With the 85 to 89 degree waters inshore most trout are in 8-12 ft of water and scattered. Best time to catch a trout is early morning until about 9 oclock or on overcast days when the water is cooler. However, floating a live pinfish under a cork will catch some big ‘uns. Also, the ol’ reliable, soft plastics like Salt Water Assassins shad in colors from Electric Chicken , Neon Guppy, white/pink, or rootbeer on a ¼ oz. Cotee jig head will help you catch your limit,too.

There are a few tarpon still around. They can still be caught in the Rivers and deep holes fishing with cut bait, live finger mullet or pinfish. It is a wait and see game, but well worth the wait when you hook up with one of these giants. Try cut ladyfish or mullet on the bottom in areas where you see rolling fish.

Grouper fishing has been good lately and should continue through this month.. Mostly coming from deeper water of 40- 60 feet. Providing you can get out between the hurricanes and tropical storms.

Be safe out there. This time of year thunder storms can come up from nowhere.
So, use caution when you see a thunderhead close. Catching one more fish or scallop isn’t worth it. If scalloping, have someone in the boat at all times watching for bad weather. With your mask in the water all the time, you can have a bad thunder boomer on you in no time. And this is dangerous, this time of year.

Remember….take a youngster fishing, ‘cause a child’s smile and a good day fishin’ is the best medicine for whatever ails ya’.

Until next time…..

Captain Ed Lewis
CaptEd@Redfishhunter.com
www.Redfishhunter.com

"May God bless you with golden sunsets, gentle breezes to your
back, good tides, big fish and tight lines"

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