Great fishing continued for my clients last week. Fishing morning
trips daily, we continued to have success on large tarpon, loads of
snook and and ever growing number of redfish showing up.
The tarpon action has been strictly at first light. Arriving to the
fishing area in the dark, we have been having many shots at tarpon in
the 80 to 150 lb. range. As the fish begin feeding at first light, we
have been casting to rolling and feeding fish with soft plastic swim
baits such as DOA Baitbusters and the new Spooltek baits. Live baits
such as crabs, ladyfish and sardines also get their attention. I am
finding that we are actually having more bites on the lures as they give
us the ability to make long casts directly to fish and cover a lot of
water. Most of the action is over by 8:00 or so in the morning.
Snook have been schooled up heavily near area passes with plenty of
fish in the 20 to 25 inch class providing non-stop action. There have
been snook in the 30 inch + range in the mix as well. Live sardines are
the ticket to fast action, however we also had a successful morning
with fly tackle using small white baitfish imitations.
Redfish are now common catches along the flooded mangrove edges and
along shallow flats at low tide. The reds have been nice mid-slot fish
averaging 25 inches. They have seemingly appeared out of nowhere, after
being practically non exsistant for the last couple of months. Live
sardines, shrimp, jigs, spoons and topwater plugs will all catch the
redfish this time of year.
Last Wednesday, I fished with repeat client Justin Harper who was in
town from Texas for a business conference. He had contacted me
regarding catching a big tarpon which was a “bucket list” fish for him.
His timing was good and we headed out in the dark to get the best shots
at catching the silver king. Justin hooked into three large fish and
after battling for over an hour, brought a big tarpon boat side. We
estimate the fish was around 130 lbs.
Exhausted and with some time left to fish, we decided to switch gears
and pursue the opportunity to produce a “Grand Slam” which is releasing
a tarpon, snook and redfish in the same day. The snook and redfish
cooperated, and within the next hour Justin’s slam was complete! Here
are some shots of Justin with his catches. A great morning with another
happy angler!
I am really looking forward to the next several weeks as September is
one of my very favorite months to fish. Redfishing should really pick
up along with more great snook action. Tarpon should remain in the area
making this the best time of year for anglers to catch all three
species.
- Capt. Todd Geroy
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