Summer Fishing Guide: Tips from a Professional Fishing Guide

The Summer Weather Conditions

July brings with it hot and humid weather, with little wind early in the day, until about early afternoon when a sea breeze kicks in, followed by thunderstorms. Most anglers take advantage of the calm waters in the morning to avoid the mid-afternoon heat and storms.

Fishing for Mangrove Snapper

Mangrove snapper is an excellent fish to catch throughout the summer, and you don’t have to make a long run offshore to find them. They are caught throughout inshore and nearshore waters and are often found near structures like docks, bridges, and piers. From the boat, you can find them under deeper mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, sand potholes, rock ledges, or structures in and near the Gulf passes.

Since mangrove snappers are often leader and hook shy, it is necessary to lighten the tackle. Three or more feet of 12 to a 20-pound fluorocarbon leader and a 1/0 circle hook are ideal for inshore fishing.

Fishing for Redfish and Seatrout

Redfish and seatrout are also caught throughout the summer. You can find redfish foraging under the shade of mangrove shorelines during high tide. Seatrout, on the other hand, can be found running in schools, with the best bite usually happening in the morning on incoming tides when cooler water moves over grass flats. The best areas for finding them are grass flats with clear or clean water in 4 to 8-foot depths.

Fishing for American Red Snapper

American red snapper season is open in Gulf waters for recreational anglers throughout the month of July. It’s a great opportunity if you’re willing to spend the fuel money for a long run offshore. Unfortunately, both gag and red grouper seasons are closed. To get updated grouper, snapper, and all fishing regulations, you can visit myfwc.com or download the Fish Rules app.

Fishing for Sharks

Sharks are another summer favorite and are often caught inshore and offshore. Many anglers target them for their fighting ability, although they can be a nuisance. Sharks play an essential role in our ecosystem; please make every effort to quickly release them unharmed.

Fishing for Snook

Catch-and-release snook fishing is strong throughout the summer, and large females can be found up and down the coast surrounded by smaller males during their summer mating rituals. The best fishing often happens in the surf along the Gulf beaches, and you can find snook swimming parallel to the shore, often just a few feet away, in search of their next meal. This offers great sight fishing opportunities for both conventional and fly anglers.

Fishing for Reef and Wreck Fish

If you’re looking to catch different varieties of fish, reefs and wrecks, which are located within sight of land, can be productive. You can catch everything from snapper to goliath grouper. Anchoring up current of structure with a fresh chum bag is preferred. A variety of baits is a good idea as well as an arsenal of rods rigged and ready from light to heavy action.

Takeaway

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice, July is an excellent month for fishing, and there are plenty of opportunities to catch different species. Keep up to date with fishing regulations and seasons in the area where you fish, as they change often. You can visit myfwc.com or download the Fish Rules app on your phone for current regulations and seasons with pictures to help identify fish. Have a safe and productive time on the water this summer!

As a lifetime resident of Matlacha and Pine Island, Capt. Bill Russell has spent his life fishing and learning the waters around Pine Island and Southwest Florida, and he has been a professional fishing guide for the past 23 years.

Originally Post From https://www.capecoralbreeze.com/sports/sports-columns/2024/07/03/on-the-water-with-capt-bill-russell-july-brings-hot-humid-days-with-thunderstorms/

“On the Water with Capt. Bill Russell: July Brings Hot Humid Days with Thunderstorms”