Tampa Bay to Sarasota, FLORIDA

     This year has really been a banner year for fishing. So far this August has continued our streak. The weather has really been quite nice as far as August goes. It has been quite cool so far; mid to high eightys is not too bad. The water temp is also cooler than normal, making for more consistent fishing, especially for snook and redfish. I had a couple of days this past week where we boated more than 20 snook on a half day trip and some nice size refish too. That's really good snook fishing for August, usually the intense heat makes them tougher to catch. Now as for redfish, it is no surprise to me that they are hot now. Traditionally August and September can be some of my best months for redfish, especially larger ones in the 30 to 36 inch class, and sometimes even larger. This past couple of weeks has really produced some spectacular days on redfish. Lots of the offshore breeders are beginning to find their way onto our shallow flats and bays. Really, it seems like we are lining up for some great fall redfishing! Some off these schooling reds are showing up in 1 to 11/2 foot of water, making them prime targets for sight casting, especially for a good fly caster who likes a challenge.

As for other inshore opportunities, trout are biting fairly well and a few cobia have also been showing up.

The offshore opportunities are also fair, we have had a few days on the fly rod where we have boated 10 or 15 little tunny. Most are 6 to 7 pounds right now but we have still had a few of those 12 to 15 pound line screamers. There are also a few Spanish mackerel out there to catch. The shark fishing is also quite good right now, it is strictly live or dead bait fishing right now.

As for the forecast, as long as the weather doesnt get too hot, the snook fishing should continue to get better. The redfish should be prime targets from now though fall. Remember snook season opens Sept.1. We are catching some nice size keepers right now, so be ready. Good luck and get out there and have some fun.

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