ROD AND REAL TIPS

CAPT. SCOTT WILLIAMS ON FISHING'S HOT MONTHS

Written by: Capt. Scott Williams

Heat affects fish like it affects us. But no sweat. Every fishing season has opportunities. Summer is no different. It brings gamefish closer to shore, or to the beaches and piers, as bait has moved inshore. And like every season, summer has its rules, little extras to figure out, even if it's the basics of keeping yourself and your family safe and hydrated. I'll even run my charter boat in wide circles to cool my fishing clients on windless days.

Tip two is about bait. Warmer water brings some species closer to shore. Snook, for example, will be firing off as they move closer to beaches and jetties for their annual spawn. Castnetting nearshore for pinfish is great and even the beaches will surprise summer anglers. I want pinfish from 3-4 inches, smaller for tripletail, larger for sharks, for example. Cut ladyfish works well on certain occasions. Salted sardines and whitebait are preferred, though. And pichards are great if you can find them.

Tip three: Shore anglers look for deep sections of beaches for bigger fish. I suggest 7-7 ½ foot light-action rods with a 3000-4000 series spinning reel. The reels are similar in casting distance but the 4000 seems to retrieve a bit better. Both are good, though. Nearer inshore use 15-20-pound test line, with a braided 3-4 foot leader.

RUN UP TO 'FISH ON'

I'm up hours before the sun, getting the boat ready for my fishing clients. These are people mostly from the Midwest enjoying themselves. But locals use our services too. It's no secret that while charter captains work hard and have headaches, we have the best job in the world. It's pure fun and rewarding when kids boat their first gamefish.

My home base is St. James City in Pine Island. You want to be in the water as the sun comes up. Sunlight activates baitfish. You throw a 12-foot cast net in the full sun, those baitfish will run. Morning shadows and baitfish just starting to move around, your work is easier.

With a full live well, I'm at the dock for pick-up at eight or so. I take a few minutes to go over safety gear and other instructions. Are we looking to have fun, I ask. Which gets smiles. Are we here to catch and release, to keep, to see and fish sharks? You know in advance, but you want confirmations and agreement from everyone, ideas of their goals.

Warmer water brings some species closer to shore. Snook, for example, will be firing off as they move closer to beaches and jetties for their annual spawn.

Finding structures and moving water are the keys. Like us, fish want safety, a place like a home. They want places to ambush baitfish, under bridges, docks, wash points or in deep troughs. Wash points are places tides and faster moving water create, bends where larger fish ambush smaller ones looking for nutrients. Life underwater goes up the food chain. Oyster beds also bring fish, as crabs, shrimp and baitfish feed around them.

There are lessons in any fishing season. Learn them, and you're on the way to a successful day on the water.

Capt. Scott Williams charters from St. James City in the Pine Island Sound area of Florida. His Thrill of It All Charters works in nearshore and offshore fishing. His angling advice in this publication is on saltwater fishing only. Visit Capt. Scott's Thrill of It All Charters Facebook platform for details. FCM

Roundup

Florida fishing rules should be closely monitored. The Fish Rules App at myfwc.com is good for tracking such things. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission platform shows regulations from the user's location, can identify fish and has other services. The downloadable app is also partnering with the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council that manage fisheries off Florida in federal waters, according to myfwc.com.

This photo was taken in our pasture just before feeding time. Bristol wanted to hop on Buttercup … and I couldn’t pass up a picture with the beautiful sky. Bristol started riding Buttercup when she could sit.” The Ona, Florida, photographer shot her image in the family pasture on an iPhone 13.