Captain Don Taylor, Jr
904.318.9906
inshoreoutdoorsfishing.com
As the year continues to wind down, August is migration month. The Tarpon, Sharks, Kings, Flounder and several other species all start to migrate slowly towards Northeast Florida.
And the bait is thick on the beach this time of year. That too, brings a multitude of hungry predators along with it and some very exciting fishing opportunities. Tarpon, Kings, Bonita, Jacks can all be targeted around the Pogie pods off the beach.
Cast-net Pogies, freeline them around the outer edges of the pods and then hang on. The strike is violent, the drag peeling is intense and the sheer power will excite even the seasoned fisherman. I would suggest going extra heavy on the tackle, 60lb braid, 80 to 100lb leader and a 6,000 to 10,000 size reel. The runs are amazing and the launch of a 50 to 100 lb. plus fish is breath taking.
Daylight will be your best bet for the Tarpon. However, if the pods are on the beach and near the inlet rocks, neither the time of day nor tide really matter.
Guests on recent trips have jumped tarpon all throughout the day. Usually, the bite is better on the first of the incoming tide or high outgoing tide.
The Bull Red bite will continue to get better as we move towards September and October. I know I say it all the time, please handle these fish with great care.
The inshore bite continues to be very good. The Flounder bite is starting to pick up with some very good flatties being caught in the 3 to 5 lb. range. First of the incoming tide is a good bet. Target creek mouths, holes, and the banks of the ICW. A mud minnow slow rolled will work, or if you’re talking artificial, try a white curly tail.
The Redfish bite is still strong. Target docks, creek holes, and the flats. Live shrimp and finger mullet will be the bait of choice.
A few good trout are still being caught. I personally start night fishing this month to beat the heat. Target one of the many docks with lights that we have here on the First Coast. Plastics and sub-surface baits are very effective. Vary your retrieve to dial in the depth. Night fishing is very productive and peaceful.
Be safe on the water and know your limitations. With school fast approaching, be sure to get the kiddos out on the water before homework and early bed times start again.
I look forward to seeing you out on the water. If you have a question or would like to spend a day on the water catching fish, please feel free to contact me at inshoreoutdoors@gmail.com or 904.318.9906. Also, take a look at my website: www.inshoreoutdoorsfishing.com.
For other fishing information check out the Backwater Hustle, The Fishing Podcast on I tunes or Castbox.