SWFL Fishing Forecast for August, 2021

Here we are in August. We have already had a close call with a named storm, we need the rain just not any major disasters. With the summer rains come changes to our water that can help you or hurt you. If you depend on mostly sight for your style of fishing? Then this is probably not your favorite time of year. The rains tend to darken the water due to the rain. If your not very big on sight fishing? Well this time of year can be very productive for you. The darker water allows you to get closer to fish that are normally spooky. I myself rely on sight and knowledge of the area. I will admit the darker water can make it more difficult to set up on spots in the open water. Spots such as oyster bars and pot holes. With the technology of today’s GPS systems this shouldn’t be an issue. As long as you took the time to mark them. I’m sure if your like me you had to learn the hard way.

The good news is our top game fish such as snook, tarpon and redfish can tolerate the freshwater. A lot of the times if we get a large amount of rain it will shut the bite off for a few days. For the fish that require a higher salt level such as trout and snapper. These fish might be pushed out closer to the gulf, or into deeper salty waters. One fish that seems to make more of its presence known in the upper harbor when the rain come is tarpon. I’m not sure if these fish get pushed from the river, or come in from the beaches. Its probably a combination of both. However there seems to be more schools around this time of year. Areas like the holes in the harbor will be holding fish. Also the mouths of our two rivers are great places to locate fish. If you get a early start on a calm morning you will surely come across some rolling fish.

If this summer is anything like last summer, the mangrove snapper should be showing up very good. Last year was one of the best snapper bites I’ve seen in along time. Areas like deep mangrove point with moving water will hold good numbers of fish. Also local grass flats with potholes and oyster bars are a good bet. These little guys can be tricky sometimes. I recommend downsizing your tackle, to a smaller hook and baits. Moving water is also key to have a good snapper bite. For there size these guys put up a pretty good fight, and there also very tasty. This time of year keep your eye on the sky, don’t let a good day be ruined by thunderstorms.

If you would like to experience some of South West Florida’s finest fishing. Give us a call or send an email, all our trips are private and customized for you and your party’s needs.

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Captain Dave Stephens * (941) 916-5769 * Back Bay Xtremes * PO Box 510746, Punta Gorda FL 33951

Flats Fishing Charters for Charlotte Harbour, Punta Gorda, Florida