Hot Summer with a Hot Bite

Sunday, August 12, 2018

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We are deep into the summer of 2018 and the fishing all cross the board is good. The snook bite continues to be red hot in the Sebastian Inlet. Like usual, the key to entice these fish to feed is the right bait. They are feeding on a variety of different live bait such as pilchards, croakers, pigfish, and pins. We are getting the occasional redfish on the hook while targeting the snook, but most of the reds are oversized.
The tarpon bite was on fire a couple weeks ago along Vero Beach. I took a few trips down that way and had great success. These giants continue to move north up the coast and are now schooled up around the Melbourne Beach area. One of the strategies I use fishing for tarpon on the beach is to look for these fish to porpoise, then I either throw the baits in front of them or just toss them behind the boat and start a slow troll.
The inshore fishing is good but you really need to be out right at daylight, especially while targeting gator trout and slot reds. The best time to fish inshore is at the end of the incoming tides or the beginning of the outgoing. I will be honest I have been doing very well around the inlets, beaches, and offshore, so I have only done a handful of trips inshore in the last month.
Offshore, starting Friday August 10-12th, and August 17-19th is the opening of red snapper season. The volume of boats that have been out is kind of a nightmare. I have heard reports from some fellow guides and fishermen who are out 20+ miles and there are literally 10-20 boats around them. I will say if you’re out there use common curtesy and good fishing etiquette. Believe me, it goes along way. If you see commercial fishing vessels make sure you allow them plenty of space.
That includes my fishing report thanks to everyone that booked a trip with me.
Capt Don