Bulldog Fishin Charters Inshore report

The summer heat has let up a bit. With these cooler days the water temperature is holding in the low 80's. This is the time of year where we make the transition to an Autumn cooling trend. With these slightly cooler conditions, the only hot thing in this area of the Nature Coast is the fishing. This is my favorite time of year to fish the flats and backcountry areas from Aripeka to Chasshowitzka. The rain did cool things down a bit, but it also made the waters mirky at times. We had to target a variety of locations early in the week to find clean water but it was worth the effort. When the water is dirty from recent winds or rain it is important to remember to adjust your tactics. I like to use a lure that will make a little noise like a Mirro-lure Catch 2000. Scented baits worked slowly will also bring more strikes in low visibility conditions. Live pinfish,select shrimp, or cut bait will always work well in any conditions. The spoil islands and creeks that litter this area of the Nature Coast are loaded with mangroves, oyster bars, and bait. Quietly approach these areas and look for signs of life like diving birds or jumping mullet. These areas will hold trout,red fish, and the occasional snook. I target these areas at the beginning of a out going tide. Live pin fish or cut mullet are great baits. Johnson gold spoons or a Rapala Twitch'n Rap are artificial's that will cover a lot of territory and produce quality fish. No matter my bait or lure, I only fish with braided line. Braided line gives angler the ability to use a strong line that has a small diameter. This is a must for making long cast to spooky fish. The deeper flats are producing quality trout,mackerel,shark,sea bass,jacks,and more. 1/4 ounce jigs combined with 3" GULP shrimp have produced steady rod bending action. 8 - 12 ft of water has been our target depth. The bite slows on a slack tide, but once the tide shifts the fish are on the move again and feeding! Good luck and tight lines! Capt. Keith Tomlinson Bulldog Fishin Charters www.bulldogfishin.com (352)238-3581