It’s Starting to Look a Lot Like… — August 19, 2009

It’s starting to look a lot like fall.  I don’t know if it’s because of the ‘betes, or just the inordinate time we spend outside, but every year around this time I start to feel the difference in the light.  If I’m feeling it, and I’m only a stupid human, the fish must be going crazy.  Yesterday, not only were we feeling the photoelectric effects of a waning summer sun, but I’ll be darned if it didn’t actually feel cooler outside: albeit, the difference is from 105 to 91, but it was downright comfortable.
Reds are beginning to stage in their launching areas for their big migration offshore.  The East Cut is starting to see fish move east rather than west into the bay.  I had a few flyfishermen that caught a number of decent reds just standing on the edge and waiting.  Almost like clockwork, schools of three to four fish would push by every 10 or so minutes.  Brandt Landry and I found multiple pods of tailing reds in ankle deep water in really skinny stuff.  Each pod contained about 30 to 60 fish.  Brandt caught his first red on fly.  However, not to take away from his fishing prowess, he actually had a snook and permit before his first red.  Not many folks can say that.
Trout are still simply stupid easy to catch even to the point we’re limiting on 20+ inch fish on fly sight casting.  Find an edge and work it.  I’d like to say a specific color is working, but I don’t have to seems like the choice comes down to tops or tails.  For the lodge guide staff, I’ll let you guess which bait we choose.  As the old saying goes, “If you want to catch big trout, stay in sight of the water tower.”
Offshore is on fire with a some really big ling nearshore and the pet kingfish and jacks keeping everyone busy.  Tarpon are schooled and willing to play.  Just look for the silver flash.
Get ready for fish to start transitioning to Fall patterns as soon as we get our first cool front, which should be in three or four weeks.  Now that I’m not teaching high school anymore, you can bet I’ll be on the water daily.