Capt. Rick Davidson, Editor Grassflats2@yahoo.com
JULY FISHING REPORT
It’s been all about scallops this month, but there’s been some great offshore fishing and there are redfish around as well. The heavy rain events have stayed away, and the water has been accommodating for scalloping in shallow clear waters, with easy limits available. Offshore fishing has been on fire for red snapper, grouper of all kinds, and kingfish. And early morning creeks and flood tides near marshlines has been providing some great redfish action. And very surprisingly, we’ve had an influx of giant edible crustaceans. Here are some pics from this month’s catches at the Sea Hag.
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AUGUST FISHING FORECAST
Looking for more of the same in August. Clear water is a key to success in the summer, for scalloping and inshore fishing, and so far we’re looking great. Trout are tough to find because they’re in deeper water, up to ten feet in depth in mixed grass and sand; guides are finding them with jigs tipped with Gulp baits . Find the right bottom and drift across it, bouncing jigs on the bottom. You’ll have to cull some smaller fish, but limits can be had this way. You may also find some larger solitary trout in shallow water at daybreak. But redfish are more heat tolerant, and they’re in their usual locations: around marshlines and oyster bars, creek mouths, and cruising shallow flats. Good redfish catches have been coming from the Fisherman’s Rest and Long Grass Key areas in close. And it can be a time for surprises; on two trips last month I jumped a large snook and an 80 pound tarpon on topwater plugs. Most of the scalloping action has been north of the river in clear water 3 to 4 feet deep, between Rock Point and Big Grass Island. Offshore fishing has been excellent for gags and red grouper, but recently the larger offshore captains have made long runs to deeper water for a bigger variety of fish and have been bringing back massive catches. Unfortunately the recreational red snapper season ends this month, but will open up again on weekends in October. August is the only month this year that we don’t have any scheduled tournaments.
Summer is an exciting time at Sea Hag. We’re expanded our docks, and now we’ve got a great food truck, coffee drinks in the mornings, and an expanded Tiki bar. Call us to check on accommodations and availability of rental boats, as this is the busy time of year, but also consider using one of our fantastic group of guides for scalloping, inshore, or offshore trips. No worries about tackle, licensure, or locating your catch. But however you choose to visit, we can guarantee you’ll have a great family vacation.
