Otto Hough (Facebook @myhometownfishing) says, ” Certainly wasn't the best of fishing conditions this past weekend. However, these three days ahead, even though it's a period of "between the moons" tidal flows, offer up marine conditions that are looking far more favorable for the weekend anglers. Only an "east is least" breeze may be cause for a little aggravation, but not too aggravating after Friday. Still, that east wind will be putting a light to moderate chop across Apalachee Bay over the weekend.
"These next three days will see the tides full in the early morning hour before sunrise, falling out into the start of the afternoon. Tidal flows won't be as significant as the strong tides this past weekend given the waning moon phase.
"Skinny water temps, thanks to overnight radiational cooling from nighttime air temps down in the 60s have begun to ease on lower toward 79° in some spots. That seemingly small drop in water temps is serving to stimulate the trout bite. Sunrise topwater plugging up close to the hill over the creek mouth drains and flats is producing some fine explosions from frisky trout. Regardless of water temps, the reds haven't missed a lick as the early morning and late afternoon bite has continued to be steady.
"If planning on fishing east near the Aucilla and Econfina rivers, be aware that the waters have gotten much darker with lowered salinity levels due to all the rains that inundated both the drainage basins of each river. Rocks and oyster bars are tough to discern in the the darker waters, especially when not marked well on the GPS. Finding a little cleaner, saltier water will be a big key to success when fishing in that eastern portion of Apalachee Bay. To the west of the St. Marks on towards Lanark, visibilty is much better, though a long way from gin clear.
"Outside, the chase for the legal size gags still necessitates a pretty long run towards waters 30 to 60 feet. The water temps over the shallow water rock piles along the St. Marks to Econfina coastline have yet to cool enough for the big gags to migrate out of the deeper, cooler waters to the shallows. Hopefully in a few weeks, if overnight air temps remain in the 60s, the waters over the nearshore rock piles will cool down more to the liking of the larger gags. For now, the best success has continued to be in depths of 30 feet or more over live bottom, both live baiting and/or slow trolling.
"Whatever species is targeted, boat wisely and safely. Also, wear an auto-inflatable PFD, especially if fishing alone. Auto-inflatable PFDs are an inexpensive life insurance policy while on Big Pond. Accidents do happen, all too quickly. Go have some fun on one or more of the days ahead. Just FISH!"
Captain Russ Knapp (850-653-5072) reports, “Well, the weather for the weekend at this time looks like another "fair to middlin" deal with winds E 10 to 15 knots, seas running 2 to 3 ft and a 30 to 40 % chance of showers. However, Capt. Clint will be happy to tell you that East winds often bring seas higher than forecast so 2 to 3 ft may will be 3 to 4 ft so plan accordingly. Look for tides at the Cut to be high around 7 AM at 1.9 feet followed by a low tide around 4 p.m. of 0.4 ft.
"One the good news side of things, Fall is definitely right around the corner as the Bald Eagles are back, the Butterfly are here and the Manta Rays are passing by heading South. In the bay, in spite of 6.5 inches of rain last weekend Capt. Jack Frye (850 247 8134) reports the fishing has been very good and will only get better as the water cools down in the coming weeks. Fishing around the Cut has been producing Mangrove Snapper, Flounder, Speckled Trout and some large Redfish none of which could turn down a live Shrimp offered to them. Capt. Jack is netting really nice White Shrimp both just South of the Apalachicola bridge and in Two Mile channel so bring your cast net or dip net and get some great live bait on your way out.
"Orange "Fish bites" fished on the oyster flats just West of the low rise in the SGI bridge should put Silver Trout in your box while Redfish will be hanging out around the creek mouths and would love a live or fresh Shrimp placed on the bottom.
"Offshore, Capt. Clint Taylor (850 370 6631) is catching good numbers of large Mangrove Snapper and Vermillion Snapper on live bottom while fishing small pieces of Squid and small live baits. The reefs and wrecks are also holding Mangroves and Vermillion’s but you're going to have chum them up away from the closed season Red Snappers. Capt. Clint says if you're fishing the big wrecks be sure to fish a large live bait half way down for roaming AJs and always put out a flat line where ever you are for who know what cruising by.
"Tip of the week -- it's Hurricane season so be sure to keep a weather eye on the Tropics as things can blow up in a hurry and Hurricane surprises are very rarely of the good kind. My go to guy is Mike at Mikes Weather Page who while he isn't a professional and is a wild and crazy guy seems to have very good instincts about Hurricanes and has been very trustworthy."
Capt. Kevin Lanier of KC Sportfishing Mexico Beach (850 933 8804) reports, "Fishing has certainly transitioned here on the panhandle this week with Federal Red Snapper season over yet the weather is still beautiful, and people are getting out. We have run a few trips for kings and had great success on our last on. 9 fish total, 5 kings and 4 big Spanish Mackerel rounded out a great day.
"My technique for chasing these fish is to put out a 4-bait spread. Starting with the closest to the boat I run a #4 Planer with a 6-foot leader to a Duster 3 hook rig. My favorite colors are white and the green/red/silver. I put a Cigar minnow on the hooks, making sure it does not spin, I drop this rig about 20 feet off the back corner of the boat. On the other side I put a Stretch 30 plug in Red and White. I run it 30 feet off the other rear corner. On the forward rod holder, I run a Mackerel tree rigged with a 2-ounce trolling weight and a Silver Horde Coho Killer spoon. I run these 50 feet behind the boat. Lastly on the other side I run another duster rig with a cigar minnow, this rig has a 4-ounce trolling weight. I run this one back 40 feet.
"My goal is to work around structure and ledges. I like the artificial reef structures around Mexico beach. I keep my speed between 4 and 5 mph. This is simply my technique and there are many others, but I hope this was helpful."
Salt Strong coach Matt Lanier (matt@saltstrong.com) tells us, ” This past couple weeks, weather has been unpredictable and still bringing the quick forming thunderstorms and rain.
"The temps have definitely cooled in the overnight hours, giving us the first taste of fall, which brings with it some amazing fishing. Trout are found on the drop offs and ledges of the edges of flats and the redfish are cruising the grass lines and flats in schools. Both are ready to eat with a well-placed lure or bait of your choice.
"Redfish are found schooled up in the grass flats on the outgoing tide and closer to the grass lines at high tide. Look to use a lure with lots of vibrations or sound as that will help draw those fish near your lure in preparation for a strike.
"Early morning topwater action is tough to beat, so drive those fish crazy with your preferred walk-the-dog topwater lure and hold on. Jerk Shads work great on the trout, and redfish, when the water is calm & throwing paddletails when we have some chop on the water is a great rule of thumb. Lures like the Salt Strong F.R.E.D. Bomber or the Alabama Leprechaun do a great job of imitating the size of the bait that these fish are feeding on.
"If you find yourself fishing in a spot where you haven’t gotten a bite for the last 15 minutes… it’s time to move. Keep looking for the 90/10 zone where those fish are holding. Don’t waste time in unproductive areas. The fish are moving and so should you! To get the kids on some fish quickly, a live shrimp under a popping cork is always a solid producer of fish, and the best part is you never know what you’ll get because everything eats shrimp. EVEN ME!
"If you plan on getting out this weekend, always make sure you check (and double check) your gear and the weather. But most importantly… STAY SAFE & HAVE FUN!"
Capt. Paul Tyre reports, “Fall weather is here! The first couple of weeks of September the Bass and Hybrid/ Striper fishing has been GREAT. With cooler morning temperatures and lower humidity we are getting a taste of what’s to come excellent weather for the outdoors! September is a good month for topwater fishing on Lake Seminole Buzzbaits and Walking baits like a Heddon Zara Spook, fished along the edges of the grass lines on the Flint River arm of the lake have been very productive.
"The Striper and Hybrid fishing has been on fire the last couple of weeks! As we close out September and move into October with cooler weather we anticipate the excitement to continue. When fishing for Hybrid and Stripers, the correct rod paired with a 6:2-1 reel is critical. For the reel, I prefer the Lews LFS series. It has an awesome drag and can hold up to the demands of these hard fighting fish! For the rod, I prefer a Temple Fork Outfitter's Rod in the Professional Series. TFO's 7'6" heavy action rod with its fast tip and moderate action, paired with an Alabama rig, is my go-to for battling these tough fighting fish! On the business end of the A-rig, you can't beat the Bass Assassin 4” or 5" Sea Shad rigged on a Bass Assassin jig head.
"I had a Fantastic day with Dr. Vansickle and his daughter Erin from Tallahassee. We caught over 20 Hybrids. and Stripers! For a Lake Seminole Fishing Adventure give me a call to check availability at 850-264-7534 , follow us on Instagram @ Capt.paultyrefishing or email me @ paultyrefishing@yahoo.com."
Otto B Fishing says, “Happy to report the bite on Lake Iamonia and Miccosukee has been good as the water quality and levels in each lake is in good shape. On the backside of the past full moon, anglers were catching quality bass, bream and speckled perch. The rains, along cool nights have cooled the lake waters helping to stimulate the appetites of all three species normally targeted, but rest assured, the pike, aka chain pickerel have been feasting too!