July!!! What can you say but HOT!!! Thou the bite manage to stay pretty constant first thing in the morning and the later part of the day. It was overall a decent month. August will be a bit slower, due to the hotter water temps and all the fresh water. There are a lot of different seasons going on in the State of Florida this month. First one is scallop season and the second is grouper season.
Scallops season open up last month and there has been reports of huge numbers of scallops being caught in the Hernando County area. Scalloping is a great way to get the family all together and have some fun. Doesn’t matter what age, everyone one can do it and have success at it. There are a couple key things you will need and know to have a successful day. One is make sure that you are north of the Hernando county line. State regulations only allow you to harvest scallops north of Hernando. Also that you harvest no more than 2 gallons whole bay scallops in shell, or 1 pint of bay scallop meat per person. Maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell, or 1/2 gallon bay scallop meat per vessel. You will need to invest in a dive flag and display were it is visible from every angle. Also remember that it has to be displayed anytime that someone is in the water. Last but not least is snorkel gear what constant of a mask, snorkel, and a good pair of
fins.
Grouper!!! What can you say but absolutely crazy!!!! Grouper are everywhere right now, from shallow inshore wrecks to deep offshore wrecks. They are being caught on everything, from livebait, to jigs, and even trolling plugs. Doesn’t really matter what you put in front of them right now, they will eat it. The hottest area right now has been in about 50 to 80 feet of water. Most guys are focusing on live bottom and local wrecks. Dropping large pinfish and grunts have been producing the bigger fish. Remember that this time of year the weather is very unpredictable. So keep your eye on the weather so that a successful day doesn’t turn into a nightmare.
Inshore fishing will be a bit difficult due to the water temp being so high and all the fresh water runoff. First thing in the morning will be your best bet for success. Whitebait and pinfish are my two choices for bait. Look for the deeper drop-offs on the grass flats with good water flow. Fish tend to prefer this are due to the water is a bit cooler. For artificial use a jig preferable a quarter ounce with anything in a lighter color like white, clear, and silver. Work the drop offs and any little eddy you can find.
For more weekly fishing reports check out my Facebook page at FishTampaFlats. Tight Lines and Screamin Reels.
Captain Will Burbach
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