Inshore Midsummer Action

It’s a typical summertime pattern.  Warm water that gets warmer as the sun gets higher.  Snook are feeding to bulk up for the spawn which is just around the corner.   Jacks are using seawalls to trap baitfish.  And overall, the best fishing is early which works to the angler’s advantage as the midday sun and light winds can be very uncomfortable most days.

Big Snook are gathering to spawn and if your timing is right catching a 15 to 20 pound sideliner’s is do-able any day.  You want to try to feed them something big because they want to eat big meals.  And make sure your tackle is strong.  When they’re hungry they will swallow the hook readily, and if the exposed leader isn’t heavy they will saw through the line in no time.  And treat them gently.  Handle them as little as possible.  Keep them in the water if at all possible and don’t let them get too exhausted.  We need those big fish to spawn successfully.  They’re not in season till next month anyway.

Topwater plugs are excellent summer morning baits.  Throw at seawalls and feeding schools of fish.  They’re great on the grass flats to call up trout.  Again, the earlier the better.