Mansfield Report: August 20206
Greetings from Port Mansfield! Here we are in the hottest part of the year with the only difference being that it started in June this year. A little reflection on what has been going on down here and to be honest, the good fishing we saw during spring has tapered somewhat. Let’s look at the fact that we had abnormally high tide levels through June, coupled with wind most days in the upper 20s to 30s. Additionally, winds rarely fell below 15mph through the night. Water temperatures consistently hovered around 90° F on the flats, and boat traffic never really slowed down much. Another challenge for the wade fisherman was floating grass…and plenty of it. Fish were in isolated pockets during this time, and you really had to be patient to find the bite.
Prior to this writing this piece I pondered what I might touch on since fishing has not been on fire, for me anyway. A thought came to mind as I recalled other times in my career when I dealt with similar conditions. When times get tough, you must think about the survivors who make it through such times and fish are no exception. In the past I have been faced with super-hot water conditions in the shallows, as they are now, and when doing so I remember big, and sometimes really big fish being caught – even trout.
Despite being extremely hot, fish can and will survive, even in 90° water. One day comes to mind, several years back; I was fishing with Will Acosta in extremely hot conditions, and he was inquiring about the best month to catch a trout of 30-inches, or greater. I chuckled a bit and pointed out that we should get back together in winter. We finished our chat about big wintertime trout as Mr. Acosta rigged up a Wig-A-Lo and slipped out of my SCB into hot, knee-deep water.
Before I could join him, he was doubled up on a good fish. He thought it was a redfish but seconds later I began to think such was not the case. Sure enough, after a few near fumbles, he landed a trout just a hair over 30-inches. I was quick to point out catching a thirty incher could happen anytime – slap me! And, for the record that fish just happened to make the cover of this fine magazine.
I say all this simply to point out two things. First – it could happen anywhere and anytime. Second – big fish are tough and strong. Survival of the fittest truly does exist, so if you want one of these fish, you must be patient, focused, and willing to put in the work.
Certainly, from a historical viewpoint, we know some seasons are better than others, when specifically targeting big trout. But we also need to recognize that fish have dealt with extreme weather and habitat conditions all their lives and, just like us, they are adaptive creatures.
As we plug along through this hottest month, I will be looking for water levels to drop and fish that have not been within reach will now be in striking distance for the wade fisherman. Grass lines in waist-deep water are consistent for producing good numbers of trout with isolated kickers in the mix. Along with trout staging along those cool, deep edges will be schools of redfish. Being lucky to wade into a school could provide some of the best fishing you could ever hope to enjoy.
As far as lures go, a KWigglers Ball Tail Shad on a 1/8-ounce jighead will be best for this scenario. That combination is as consistent a fish-catcher as any you’ll find for the waist-deep stuff.
Aside from the deeper-water patterns, I will continue to work spoil island shallows during early morning hours with topwaters. I am naturally drawn to skinny water these days, and if a fish is there, I am going to try to find it. When I switch to plastics, I expect to pick up flounder in those same areas. We seem to have a decent flounder population right now, and that is encouraging to see.
Even though it is August and fall still feels far away, it will be here before we know it. Fall fishing is some of the best of the year, especially once that first hint of cooler; less humid weather arrives. Our friends at Fishing Tackle Unlimited have all the gear you need for fall fishing so stop by and stock up. I recommend a G2 Green Rod in either spinning or baitcasting; it is just one heck of a rod.
Until next time; Remember that fresh is better than frozen.
