As we close out July and look forward to our August schedule, the Deep Sea Fishing in Clearwater will change but the inshore will not. The main difference in the deep sea fishing will only be what we target. The bite will continue to be good with all species in the deeper waters but seasonal closures on Red Snapper start August 1st, which also happens to mark the opening day of Amberjack season. These along with Gag Grouper, Red Grouper, Mangrove Snapper, Black Fin Tuna, Hogfish, etc remain open. Redfish, Snook, Trout and Mangrove Snapper are the main targets on the inshore fishing trips and this should remain throughout August. There is still plenty of opportunity to catch Tarpon right now and an early start is the ticket. Snook, Trout and Redfish remain closed season and are catch and release only, Mango Snappers are open season.
Our Goliath Grouper and Shark fishing has been excellent with plenty of both. Sharks ranging from 5-8′ are common this time of year, most commonly black tips and bulls, with some sandbars and spinners mixed in. The Goliaths have been steady in the 200 pound range, with a few larger here and there. On the half day deep sea charters we are catching Hogfish, Grunts, Porgies and Spanish Mackerel. The longer trips offshore are catching Grouper, Amberjack, Tuna and various Snapper (Red Snapper Closed).
The 3 hour inshore kids trips continue to see good Trout fishing and a few Mangrove Snapper, while the half day charters are seeing more snapper along with Redfish and Snook. The longer trips are jumping a few Tarpon in the early morning, then targeting Snook and Redfish with much success, if keeper fish are desired, the Mangrove Snapper caught throughout the trip provide plenty and is a tasty dinner.