The Grind Makes You Better
This summer has definitely tested me more than most. Looking back over the past few months, I can't think of many days where the conditions lined up perfectly. It feels like every trip has been a grind in one way or another. Between the steady wind, hot temperatures, and water temperatures climbing into the upper-80s and occasionally the 90s in some places, nothing has come easy. As I'm writing this, our bay is sitting right around 89°, and you can definitely see how it's affecting the fish.
As guides, we all love those mornings where everything comes together. Light winds, clean water, and fish doing exactly what you hope they'll do. The reality is those days have been few and far between this summer. Instead, it's been about adapting every single trip. Whether it's changing areas, adjusting the game plan, or simply putting in more time to find fish, this season has reminded me that consistency comes from hard work, not perfect conditions.
The shallow flats have probably taken the biggest hit. Warm water holds less oxygen, and when you combine that with little tidal movement and a steady south wind, those fish simply don't want to spend all day sitting in inches of water. There are still opportunities, but they're much shorter windows than what we're used to seeing. Timing has become everything.
One thing I've noticed more than anything this year is the movement of our redfish. Many of the fish I normally expect to see cruising shallow flats have shifted toward deeper water around the channels and jetties. It makes sense when you think about it. Cooler water, stronger tidal flow, and higher oxygen levels create a much more comfortable environment during the hottest part of the summer. While there are still reds to be found shallow, they've definitely been less consistent than in years past.
Now for the positive side of things.
If there's one thing that has kept me optimistic all summer, it's our trout fishery. In my opinion, I've never seen this many quality trout while standing on the tower. Honestly, there have been days where I've spotted more trout over 25 inches than I have redfish. That's something I never would've expected to say a few years ago.
It seems like every week I'm seeing more healthy, mature trout spread throughout our bay system. Whether they're laid up over potholes or roaming grass flats, they've become a much more common sight than I remember. I truly believe the current trout regulations are starting to show their impact. Protecting those larger breeding fish gives them more opportunities to reproduce, and I think we're finally beginning to see the results firsthand. Time will tell, but from what I've witnessed this summer, our trout population is heading in a really positive direction.
One thing I've been looking forward to every summer is chasing tarpon along the beachfront. Unfortunately, Mother Nature has had other plans. Persistent winds have kept the Gulf stirred up for much of the season, making it difficult to safely get offshore and sight-fish for rolling tarpon. When the swells build and the water loses its clarity, those opportunities disappear quickly. It's been frustrating because I know those fish are out there, but getting to them has been another challenge in an already challenging summer.
Even with all the obstacles, seasons like this remind me why I love guiding. Anyone can catch fish when conditions are perfect. The rewarding days are the ones where you have to earn every bite. You learn more about the fish, more about your water, and honestly, more about yourself. Every difficult season adds another layer of experience that you'll carry into the next one.
If there's one lesson I've taken from this summer, it's to stay patient. Fish are constantly adjusting to their environment, and we must do the same. Some days the bite may only last 30 minutes. Some days the fish won't be where they were yesterday. That's just part of fishing.
As we move toward late summer and eventually into fall, I'm hopeful things begin to settle down. Cooler nights, lower water temperatures, and more consistent weather should bring fish back onto the flats for longer periods. Until then, I'll keep grinding, keep adapting, and appreciate every opportunity this bay gives me. After all, the toughest seasons usually teach us the most.
