Capt. Jeff Larson
July was a much better fish catching month than June and August is setting up for heavy stringers. Lighter winds are allowing all the guides and fishermen to spread out and catch fish in areas other than the leeward shoreline. We were all able to get on a great surf bite for most of the month. August has been and will be the same. The later part of July had unseasonably low tides causing the Redfish to push out of the back bays and put them on the Bay Front. Tarpon are showing up on the beach front and in the channels leading to the Gulf plus a bunch of Kingfish are showing up right outside the Jetties. I’m not a Tarpon guide but I do know they are also in areas of our bay system next to deep channels that are fed by the Gulf. So keep your eyes peeled when cruising the open bay and have a rod ready.
Capt. Benny and Capt. Derrick have shared their stories and pictures with me of their tarpon catches so they are out there. Capt. Derrick Dick relayed to me that the better action will be the beach front when the weather permits. The weather was cooperative for most of the month and we expect the same for August.
Wow! “How many tournaments can you have in a month?” Outside of the water and restaurants being a little crowded, I enjoyed all the people action, watching the new rigs show up sporting awesome graphics with high speed monster motors, and custom console configurations. The best saltwater fishermen in the State of Texas show up to these events. It’s great to see old friends and meet the new up & comers. Great Times! The comradery at all the parties and pre-parties make Calhoun County the place to be for the summer.
On a serious note with regards to the weather, this time of year brings in some serious thunder boomers and high winds at a moments notice. The following situation is a perfect example how weather changes at the drop of a hat and local guides are prepared to lend a helping hand to avoid a disaster. Capt Benny Judice with the Saltwater Lodge rescued 3 kayakers from a severe weather system that caught them out in the open bay. One kayaker was over turned holding on for his dear life and barely made it back alive. If it hadn’t been for Capt. Benny’s quick response coupled with his knowledge and good equipment there would have been another sad incident to report. Capt. Benny was able to drag the stranded fishermen aboard his boat and load their kayaks onto his 25’ Mowdy without incident. All the guides along the middle coast have great boats that can withstand these crazy weather patterns and handle the rough open bay. But even the best boat in the world can not compete against bad weather.
We are fortunate to have great boat builders and boat dealers within a 50 mile radius of our area that know what is needed to handle not only the shallow water on the middle and lower coast but handles crossing an open bay safely in strong winds. We can debate who is the best boat builder some other time but the bottom line is, don’t get caught short pushing your equipment when severe weather is going to blow in. We, guides, see it too many times, fishermen pushing their limits because they only have a day or two to get out on the water, they ignore the weather radar or they don’t check the tides before they head out and they get themselves into a bind. The POCO Tournament led by example, the weather conditions weren’t favorable and they called their Offshore Division tournament off. KUDO’s!!!
Yes, there were a few anglers who were upset and disappointed but no one was hurt, they didn’t tear up any equipment and everyone is here to fish another day. The committee made the right call. The fishing is great this time of year but everyone must be aware of the current weather plus the forecast. It’s hurricane season for a reason. There were several anglers who had to pull into my house last month to seek shelter from a thunder boomer that popped in the bay. No Problem, always come by to get out of the weather.
August will mirror July with regards to weather and fishing. The fishing tactics that have been in play are still in play. August typically has hotter and higher temperatures lending early morning fishing more comfortable than mid day fishing hours. So take a break and rehydrate during the day.
The 1st few days of August have been met with some cool weather and north winds. Sort of a shocker since the higher ups in the country claim that we are in Global Warming. Anyway, It was a great first weekend this August.
Good keeper trout are showing back up. I have been noticing another round of eggs in the females when cleaning them. Flounder populations are still at epic proportions this month. They seem to be everywhere. There have been several limits caught on rod and reel that I have seen. Flounder giggers whether in a boat or walking have been getting their limit with minimal effort.
I’m looking for August to be a great fish catching month. Fishermen should be able to harvest many different Gulf Coast species this month fairly easy.
Dove Season is about to crank off! Anyone counting the days to Teal Season? I have seen several flocks of Teal migrating already! Just got off the phone with Capt. Jake Huddleston, he has numerous private areas to whack some Teal.
Don’t forget about Alligator Season! Capt Jake also has Alligator tags to fill. He has won the Anahuac Gator Fest numerous times. So get your deposits in now!
Call Scott Weiler to organize your Saltwater Lodge Outdoor Excursion. He will place you with the guide who is catching or killing the game you want to harvest.
The Saltwater Lodge reservation line is: 361-785-DUCK (3825).
Wishing you tight lines, bent poles and heavy stringers.
Captain Jeff Larson
