The west central Florida during August and into September has been exceptional, especially during the early morning and late evening hours. As water temperatures soared throughout the day, most wildlife sought refuge from the heat, making these cooler periods prime times for fishing. An abundance of mullet in the region has led to a shift in forage for some species, with some fish taking full advantage of the feeding frenzy at first light. It’s imperative to match the size of the artificial or fly to the size of the mullet. Artifical anglers have found success using top water artificials such as the Skitterwalk by Rapala or the Zara Spook and Fly Anglers have had results using larger Deceivers and Puglisi’s. As the sun climbs higher, artificial anglers should transition to baits like the Gambler Slim EZ or Big EZ rigged on a weighted worm hook.
Looking ahead, the beaches continue to host a strong population of snook until potentially adverse weather conditions or cooling water temperatures push them away. In the coming months, we anticipate redfish to start their spawning patterns in the area, adding excitement to the fishing scene. For those targeting speckled trout, the grass flats just inside the passes at around six feet depth are teeming with fish, offering fantastic opportunities for anglers.
Photography has really grabbed me and I plan to use this space to share my work. All photos will be for sale and Prints will also be for sale as I add to my collection.
