Well folks with the warmer summer days upon us the water temperatures begin to rise, and along with that the trout start heading to deeper and cooler waters. I was fishing the second week of June and we were already having to get out in 8 to 10 feet of water to find any trout to speak of. The one good thing about having to fish out that deep is when you’re not catching trout, you’re usually catching some of the larger black sea bass which makes for some good eating. The trout that’s being caught out in the deeper waters are being caught mostly by tight lining on bottom which means no cork required. Also, remember that by the time this article comes out that Scallop season will already be open in the lower Taylor County areas south of the Fenholloway River and just a couple of days afterwards the season will be open in all of Taylor County waters. So, you’ll have to be paying attention to the dive flags and possibly swimmers in the waters that may have strayed too far from their dive flags. All the waters out of the Aucilla and Econfina river seem to be clear at the moment.
And as you can see the red fishing has been a blast. There’s been a lot of reds hanging around in the shallow flats around any of the tall rock grass areas. Throwing the 5” jerk shad around in the taller grassy areas will make these fish bite, usually the white or one of a lighter color. Also, there have been quite a few reds still being caught in the deeper creeks using live shrimp and cut bait during the higher tides.
Mullet seem to be starting to show up a little more too. Lots of mullet hanging out in the taller rock grass area and that’s why the huge reds are hanging out in those areas also!
Best bets for the month of July would be to fish the deeper water around the 10 feet range for trout and rock bass. Fish the deeper creeks during the higher tide times using live shrimp or cut bait for reds. Fishing around the taller rock grass areas using 5” light colored jerk shad for the larger redfish. Also, don’t forget to include the children in all your outdoor activities so they to can enjoy the great outdoors. Tight lines and safe scalloping!!!!