August brings warm temperatures, but it also delivers fantastic action on the water. To maximize your success, plan your outings around early morning or late evening windows when fish are most active. By tailoring your tactics to low-light hours and choosing the right setups, you can beat the heat and stay on a steady bite all month long.
When starting at first light, topwater lures are your absolute best option. Plan to arrive at your spot just as the horizon begins to brighten. In the dawn shadows, fish aggressively target surface disturbances, mistaking the rhythmic walk of a topwater plug for a struggling baitfish. This approach is particularly deadly for both redfish and trout. For maximum action, tie on a Heddon Super Spook Jr. in either chartreuse and black or red and white.
Popping corks are a reliable producer all day long, regardless of the tide phase. They offer unmatched versatility and will draw strikes from nearly every inshore species, including trout, redfish, flounder, ladyfish, and sharks. Using a weighted popping cork helps maximize casting distance. Tie an 18-to-24-inch fluorocarbon leader from the cork down to a size 1 circle hook, and bait up with live shrimp, mud minnows, or realistic artificial shrimp. When the cork pulls under, simply reel until you feel the weight of the fish before lifting your rod tip—no hard hookset required.
When the sun reaches its peak, the shark bite stays red-hot. Sharks remain aggressive even in the heat of the afternoon. To combat persistent bait stealers, rig a whole live menhaden on a 7/0 circle hook. Inshore waters are currently holding plenty of sharpnose, bonnethead, and blacktip sharks. As an added bonus, soak these big baits long enough and you just might hook into a trophy bull redfish!
See you on the water!
Since 2009, Capt. Geoff Bennett has operated Charleston Charter Fishing providing light tackle charters. Clients choose from a full menu of artificial, live bait and fly fishing options with charters tailored to their desires. USCG licensed and insured, Capt. Bennett is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable charter to anglers of all skill levels and ages. For more information, call Capt. Bennett at 843-324-3332, visit his website at www.charlestoncharterfishing.com or email him at captain@charlestoncharterfishing.com.
