By Jimmy Tomazinis
mail@floridanewsline.com
By now the heat is really starting to set in. For better or worse, 90 degree days are going to be more and more common for a while. Fishing should continue to improve this month. Just about everything I mentioned last month will still be applicable, but as a whole, the fishing will be more consistent.
The small redfish that seemed to be everywhere last month will still be ubiquitous, but larger slot reds will start to be more common. Docks and shell bars are good places to target, but they will also be up in the shallows cruising any grass beds we might be lucky enough to have. You can start to size up any artificials you’ve been throwing, since their natural forage is also growing. Mullet, crabs, and croakers to name a few.
Trout will be a better bet since salinity has increased with the water temperatures. Deeper docks and bridges are good areas to look. If you see any bait schools on the surface, try any structures in that vicinity. Trolling dock lines with soft plastics is a great way to find concentrations of trout. Don’t go too fast; just fast enough to keep the baits from dragging on the bottom is a good speed to start with. You can also experiment with colors and tail styles, but be sure it swims straight.
Chances are there might be a sheepshead on any dock in the river right now. If you’re looking for simple, messy, and possibly aggravating fishing look no further than our convict fish. Aptly named for their striped outfits and knack for stealing baits, they are humbling fish. Clams are probably my favorite bait for them, followed by crab and fresh dead shrimp. If I could catch live shrimp in the river this month, I’d say that — but since the season is still closed, fresh dead is what I have. I fish them on a fish finder rig or knocker rig. Hook size will range from size 4 to 1/0. I size the hook to the size of the bait. Use just enough weight to keep the bait on the bottom. Fish up current from structure and drop baits back to it. Don’t be afraid to move if nothing is happening. I usually give a spot 15 minutes before moving.
Lastly, there might be a few silver things showing up if you’re interested. Tight lines.
