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Everglades City, Chokoloskee and Everglades National Park
Capt. Charles Wright
July 18, 2007
Everglades City - Saltwater Fishing Report
Plan for the August Sea Breeze
August is finally here and it is as hot as it is supposed to be. Hot, sticky, humid and wonderful. The weather this time of year, as in most of Florida is very stable and predictable. In the mornings we have a gentle breeze blowing to the Gulf. This morning breeze keeps us cool, puts a slight ripple surface and keeps the bugs on the shoreline.
These morning conditions are perfect for the large, post spawn snook most anglers are targeting in August. These big fish can be very skittish and you must take care to be successful. However, the ripple on the water provides just enough sound “cover” that most anglers do not have a problem spooking these big fish. You should exercise your best stealth techniques to be sure.
This ripple is perfect for top water plug casting, as well. Personally, I prefer as big a top water lure as my shoulder will handle. The big plugs weed out most of the speckled trout, redfish and smaller snook … incidental by-catch in August. The sound, vibration and movement of a properly worked top water lure will out fish most any bait on these summer mornings. The reward is great when a big snook explodes on your surface bait very early in the morning. It is something that is very hard to top. (Hint: A slow cadence is best. However, if that does not work, change it!)
Later in the morning, the breeze will taper off as the land warms to the temperature of the water. The breeze will slow until it is dead calm … still air. Before this happens, you need to be in position ready to pole the shallows. When the wind and water calms, typically, the bite calms as well. The fish will eat, but they will not go far to feed. It is time to sight fish the shallows.
When the air goes still, the sun is usually perfect for sight fishing. Seeing and finding fish is usually not an issue. Time is. These superb sight fishing conditions do not last. As the land masses heat up and become hotter than the surrounding waters, the air rises (convection). As the air mass rises on the land, air is pulled from the Gulf waters to make up the void and the sea breezes form. The afternoon sea breezes can top 15 mph. They say timing is everything. (Hint: Try tossing a ¼ DOA shrimp to the laid up these fish. The light presentation can sometimes make a real difference. Baits that crash the shallow water spook more fish than they catch.)
Your best bet for big August snook is to leave very early and fish top water plugs. However, watch for and anticipate the change in the sea breezes and be in position ready to sight fish.. You will likely see plenty of fish and they will likely eat. If your technique is good, you are absolutely fixed in stealth mode (and a bit lucky), you can carry the bite strong until the sea breeze (or thunderstorms) drives you home.
This time of year, I prefer the kayaks. They simply provide closer, easier access and are much quieter than most any boat. The Yak Attack trips in August and September, where we transport the outfitted fishing kayaks deep into the Park, produce some of the biggest snook of the year. The Yak Attack 2 will be in service by then end of this month … our second dedicated kayak transport boat.
A few dates to remember … December 21st and 22nd we will be camping at the mouth of Wizard Creek and kayak fishing snook in the creek system and bays. February 15, 16 and 17 is the date of our Annual Cape Sable Camping and Kayak Fishing Trip… Both these trips are a blast, however they are limited to just six anglers. Also, February 23rd is the date of the 2008 Everglades Kayak Fishing Paddle-In. This is a fun social event. Last year we had over 150 kayak anglers eating conch chowder on the beach, a kayak fishing class, a fish fry and an overall great time. More information can be found on the website.
If you would like to book a trip, please give us a call @ (239) 695-9107 or email [email protected]
Tight Lines
Capt. Charles Wright
www.ChokoloskeeCharters.com
www.EvergladesKayakFishing.com
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Chokoloskee Charters.com and Everglades Kayak Fishing.com is your complete outfitter for fishing Everglades National Park.
Fish the Everglades backcountry, the beaches, 10,000 islands, river and wrecks with the most experienced guides in the area. With flats boats, bays boats, offshore boats and even kayak transport boats for our fleet of outfitted fishing kayaks, we can offer a complete, multi-day, fishing experience. Capt. Charles Wright - Fishing the Park Since 1972 Catch the Experience
Contact Info:
Chokoloskee Charters
PO Box 670
Everglades City, FL 34139
Phone: 239-695-9107
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