Happy Fishing! Check out this weekend's Big Bend fishing report
APALACHEE BAY
Otto Hough (Facebook @myhometownfishing) says, ” Fish were located and caught this past new moon weekend, though late afternoon boomers made for brief windows of opportunity to fish safely during the last hours of the fishing days. The best trout and redfish bite was happening during the first three to four hours following safelight in the skinny water before it heated by midmorning. Later in the morning, those trout were being located by anglers using softbaits in spotty bottom waters at depths of 5 to 8 feet.
"Going into the long Labor Day weekend, winds will be out of the southeast Friday, then mostly easterly by Saturday, slightly elevating to put a light to moderate chop on Apalachee Bay, but definitely fishable conditions. Tidal flows will be minimal given this will be a "between the moons" transition period. Those ever present chances of afternoon summertime showers and boomers will be in the mix throughout the long weekend, making it a wise move to have some rain gear handy for all on board should the need arise.
"High tides along the Big Bend coastline will be occurring around safelight Friday, easing on up in the early morning hours over the long holiday weekend. Get up close to the shoreline grasses around safelight to work those topwater offerings if waters relatively free of floating grass are located, working the topwater plugs near the creek mouth drain and surrounding flats. Both the trout and reds have been feeding heavily on the baitfish pods during the first three hours or so of the mornings, really liking the bone colored One Knockers, Skitterwalks, Moonwalkers and Super Spooks plugs. Take time to "Walk the Dawg" for some early morning excitement before shifting gears to get the offerings down in the water column.
"Thursday, Sept. 1, gag grouper season reopened in our Four County Big Bend Zone, with the season running through the end of 2022. So, over the next four months, both State and Federal waters are open for Gags! However, remember red grouper season closed at the end of August in all waters! Don't mess up, it's gags only now.
"For now, water temps that are still lingering in mid 80s have slowed the early migration of gags into really shallow (12-18') waters. However, State waters in the 30 to 40 foot range should begin giving up some quality gags to those anglers live baiting over live bottom structure. The gags love to see a lively pinfish near their haunts. When the floating grasses aren't an aggravating issue, try slow trolling for those gags using a Mirrolure 111MR or Mann's Stretch 30, both styles plugs generating some exciting slams over live bottom as well. Experiencing a slam by a 30" gag when holding the trolling rig is an exhilarating moment, then it's game on for even more fun!
"Given it's a long holiday weekend with moderately decent weather, except for an occasional pop-up shower, expect to experience one last crowded weekend at the ramps before the cooling weather, along with the start of the college football and dove season, will reduce the ramp crowds going into the Fall fishing stretch. Remember ramp etiquette at all times, plus wear those auto-inflatable PFDs when the big motor is purring. Boat safely. Just FISH!"
ST GEORGE ISLAND
Captain Russ Knapp (850-653-5072) reports, “Well folks, the weather forecast for the weekend is one of those "fair to middlin" deals with seas running 2 feet with some swells in the 3 foot range and East winds blowing 5 to 10 mph. The question mark is a 60% rain chance Saturday followed by a 50% chance of rain on Sunday and what this means is totally up to the Weather Gods and they aren't talking. The bottom line is as always error on the side of caution and pay attention to what is going on because with the summer heat things can and do happen fast. The tides at the Cut this weekend feature a high of 2.0 feet around 7:30 AM followed by a .2 low tide around 4 PM so you will have a good flow going all day.
"In the bay, Capt. Dan Fortunas (850 980 0101) reports Redfish, Speckled Trout, Mangrove Snapper and some small Sharks can be found in and around the Cut. There are good numbers of Greenbacks schooling in the bay so bring your cast net for live bait or stop at your friendly local tackle shop and pick up some fresh Shrimp. Capt. Dan is also catching nice Silver Trout both just to the West of the low rise in the SGI bridge and offshore on any structure or drop off in 10 to 20 feet of water. The Silver Trout have been very happy to bite any color "fish bite" you present to them using a small sinker on a two foot leader with a # 1 J hook. Don't forget that the new Redfish rules are now in effect and while the "slot" remains the same (18 to 27 inches) you now can only have four fish in your boat and in your car with a limit of one per angler on the boat.
Our offshore Captain Clint Taylor (850 980 0101) is way offshore this week on a cruise ship so we don't have a current report but he promises "hot info" for you next week so stay tuned.
"Tip of the week -- keep a GOOD tire pressure gauge in your tow vehicle and be sure to check the air pressure in your trailer tires before you head out to the ramp. Heat is the enemy of tires and low pressure will cause the tires to heat up and fail in a spectacular event always in the worst place at the worst time (Murphy’s Law rule 23) While you’re at it take another minute to check your lights and if they need replace cry once and spend the money for LED and don't forget to use waterproof heat shrink connectors."
MEXICO BEACH
Capt. Kevin Lanier of KC Sportfishing Mexico Beach (850 933 8804) reports” Fishing continues to be good in the area with more attention now going toward Grouper and Pelagic fish. Red Snapper fishing for recreational fisherman and state licensed charter will begin again in October. Check the MyFWC.com website for details and dates.
"Inshore fishing has picked up again however, in our area scallop season is in full swing so there is not a lot of quiet times to fish the bay. Daylight until about 9 am et is your best bet. Cast Top water baits or spoons on the flats to find the Red Fish. Live shrimp is still the best bet for Trout.
"For Grouper, Pin Fish are still your best bet. Jigs are becoming more popular for those of you who like to be a little more active while fishing. My favorite jigs are Johnny Jigs out of Pompano Beach Florida. Slow pitch jigging is my technique of choice.
"Traditionally September and October bring a wave of tropical storms into the area so, trip planning can be a little difficult. November and December bring cooler weather and great fishing."
BIG BEND/PANHANDLE KAYAK
Salt Strong coach Matt Lanier, (matt@saltstrong.com) tells us, ”This past week gave us some spotty weather for fishing time, but some still made it out and reported catching fish even in the tough conditions.
"Overnight temperatures are continuing their cooling trend, with the early sunset and late sunrise. Water temps are cooling more, bringing with those cooler temps, some active and hungry fish.
"Reports are coming in of finding larger trout on the flats moving in to feed on the larger bait that is indicative of this season. An early morning topwater lure in a walk-the-dog action is proving to drive them crazy. The topwater bite is still good on windy mornings, but you will need to go with larger and louder offerings such as the SheDog or SkitterWalk. Look for these speckled missiles in the 4-5 foot depth after the sun comes up, but don’t be surprised if you hook a big one cruising shallow, next to the redfish, first thing in the morning.
"Redfish are on the move and looking for food. Reports are confirming that redfish are being found cruising the grass flats on an incoming tide in fair numbers. These fish are usually looking for an easy meal and with the larger bait that is found on the flats in this season, you can safely throw larger paddletails, like the 5” Salt Strong Slam Shady Bomber, to target those bigger fish.
"Early morning topwater redfish action is tough to beat, so drive those fish crazy with your preferred walk-the-dog topwater lure and hold on. Suspending twitch baits like the MR17, as well as jerkshad style presentations are working well as great all-around presentations this time of year as well.
"For the upcoming long holiday weekend, be sure to check the weather before any final plans and be sure to keep an eye on the radar on any boat day. There is rain and/or thunderstorms projected to scatter the Big Bend Region intermittently this weekend, but there should be plenty of opportunity to get out on the big water for some fun-in-the-sun over the holiday. So go have fun, be safe, and make wise choices!
"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!
"Some other exciting news is there are sales on some of the favorite kayak brands (Vibe & Hobie) during this holiday weekend. Harry Smith Outdoors in Railroad Square, as well as Sunjammers in Destination Panama City, are offering huge discounts on their inventory right now, so be sure to check them out if you are interested or have thought about getting involved in the plastic boat navy. Whether it be kayak fishing or just a kayak to float down a river, both places can help you find the right vessel to fit your needs. They do offer on-the-water demos, for those of you on the fence about it, and are happy to accommodate you in any way.
"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!"
LAKE SEMINOLE
Capt. Paul Tyre reports, “The Fall bite has started on Lake Seminole! Fall fishing on Lake Seminole can be excellent for numbers and quality! The Bass and Stripers are feeding heavy on Shad and we have been catching over twenty plus by noon!
The Topwater bite has been good this week and will get even better as we enter into September. 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! Moving into September 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.
"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."
Salt Strong coach Matt Lanier holds up a beauty Sea Trout caught while Kayak fishing local waters. (Matt Lanier photo)
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Check out this weekend's Big Bend fishing report
