July was a month of high water and air temperatures. Most days had thunderstorm warnings along with high wind warnings also, so fishing was random at best.
Early mornings were very good and consistent when tides were right and there were no predicted storms..Lots of Seatrout, Jacks, Ladyfish and Mackerel in the harbor often in deeper water. Fishing nearshore reefs provided decent action on Mangrove snappers, Key West grunts and an occasional legal grouper. Novak and Tremblay reefs were close enough to make early morning runs.
Snook night fishing was rated Exceptional, with nights of 30 -40 being caught on flies. NIght snook isn’t always consistent..many dock lights were lost during hurricane season and many lights were just turned off by property owners who were tired of the outright abuse to their property…I don’t blame them!
The fly of choice for night snook is my pattern called The Twinkie”… any small white pattern will work though, but after snook stop hitting other patterns, the Twinkie still is effective…I always tie at least a dozen for one nights fishing as I have run out a few times.
The extremely hot days require more care and consideration, so my Bimini top is up most of the day; the cooler is overfilled with ice and water. Both decks, front and back, offer unencumbered casting when the bimini is up… Its is wonderful to sit under, have lunch and a beverage and cool down…Never had a complaint about being protected when a storm arrives.
Looking for cooler temperatures in Ausust!
Stay well,
Capt. Al
