By Jimmy Tomazinis
mail@floridanewsline.com
I just had to think pretty hard about whether I was writing this report for August or September. That’s where this year and fishing has me right now. It seemed like everything was at least a month late this year and then somehow it all was a month early. At least some things were. For instance, the mullet run. September is usually the prime month for that, but when Hurricane Debby rolled through in August a deluge of mullet poured out of the inlets and for a few days it was amazing. The mullet were so small I think even they were surprised they didn’t get an extra month to grow.
So, if you haven’t gotten to the beach yet to enjoy the run, I’d get out there. I don’t expect it to last an extra month just because it started so early. All you need is a bucket with a small cast net and one rod. It’s not necessarily about catching a ton of fish, but being present for the spectacles that happen somewhere along the coast every day. We usually see a small mullet run in the river as well, but that’s here one day and gone the next unfortunately. Keep an eye out though.
The rain from Hurricane Debby didn’t seem to do much to the shrimp, so they should be mostly bigger than bait size now if you’re thinking of trying for some. The smaller ones are still great bait so you can trade them in for some nice fish still. Redfish, flounder, and a surprising number of drum have been under the docks lately. I’d expect even more could be around the bridges with the stripers. Jacks are schooling all over and ready to hit just about anything. It’s still very hot out, so early and late can make it a little more comfortable for yourself.
I also want to mention bass fishing since they are probably my favorite fish to catch with live shrimp. Look for places with flowing freshwater like creek mouths and culverts. Water will be slightly cooler and possibly full of food, so bass tend to congregate there. If you can time it for after a large rainstorm when flows might be higher that can be ideal. It’s worth poking around a bit. Believe me. Tight lines.
