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Reel Time: Dog days

Written by Rusty Chinnis on . Posted in Outdoors, Reel Time.

The term “dog days” originated with the ancient belief that Sirius, the dog star, in close proximity to the sun, was responsible for hot summer weather. Dog days is a common term among fishermen signifying the long hot days of August and September when fish can be hard to find and catch. Add in an early and persistent red tide and anglers can be faced with a daunting challenge. While there’s no doubt that late summer days are long and often intensely hot and uncomfortable, they can also yield some surprising results for savvy anglers. By employing a change of strategy and tailoring their efforts to maximize comfort and opportunities, anglers can catch fish in relative comfort.

One of the prime times to fish during the “dog days” is at night or in the early morning hours before the sun climbs high in the sky. The myriad dock and bridge lights that illuminate local waterways hold concentrations of fish including snook, trout, mangrove snapper, redfish, bluefish and tarpon. Docks and bridges surrounded by relatively deep water generally hold more fish. Tidal flow is another indicator of action. Lights on the up tide side of a structure are best, allowing anglers more latitude when making a presentation, preventing hang-ups and allowing flies, lures and bait to swing to the fish naturally. With a little attention to detail, it’s possible to target prime dock and bridge lights on the incoming tide, and then again on the outgoing tide.

Captain Rick Grassett with a mangrove snapper that took a baitfish fly from an underwater light in Palma Sola Bay. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

The presence of hard bottom near a bridge or dock is another indicator of good fish habitat. Bait is also an indication of a prime area, and ledges, oyster bars and seawalls near lights can further increase the odds of action. Underwater lights, now fairly common, can really concentrate fish, especially when you factor in structure. Concentrate casts first to the shadowy edges and then progressively beside and through the light cone. Lights in Anna Maria Sound, Palma Sola and Sarasota Bay host the same opportunities for fish ranging from just a few pounds to over 100 pounds. Match your presentation – fly, bait or artificial – to the size of the fish that are attracted to the lights.

During times of red tide, try concentrating on lights in and around the Manatee and Braden rivers where fresh water lowers the salinity and limits harmful algae blooms.

When the rising sun lightens the horizon, anglers can move to the flats to target redfish, snook and trout. Concentrate your fishing around flats with good grass cover. In addition, look for flats that feature channel edges, pot holes, sand bars and oyster bars. Strong tide will also increase your odds.

In the hottest months, from August through September, most of the early morning tides are from one to one and a half feet, so anglers will seldom see pushes or tails. Instead, concentrate on scattering bait, working birds and schools of mullet. One of the most productive strategies is to fish “seams,” demarcation lines that separate grass, sand and other structure.

While pre-dawn or early morning is generally the best time during sweltering weather, there is one exception. Late afternoon outgoing tides that correspond to the full and new moons provide some fast action with a variety of species. Areas to concentrate on include the slues and channels that drain the inshore flats, and the passes where the funneling effect concentrates game fish and their prey. Passes that have flanking seawalls and rock groins can be particularly productive. These areas attract and concentrate the baitfish on which the predators feed. Work lures and flies close to the structure.

Fishing the “dog days of summer” can be productive no matter where you fish as long as you follow a few rules. First and foremost, you must find conditions that are acceptable to the species you seek. In general, water temperatures must not be excessive, and you can count on early mornings and deeper water to moderate conditions.  The exception to the rule will be those areas and times where the presence of food overrides the fishes’ desire to locate comfortable conditions. Fishing the “dog days” can be challenging, but master the rules and you’ll have a lot of productive fishing and very little competition.

Reel Time: Take a kid fishing

Written by Rusty Chinnis on . Posted in Outdoors, Reel Time.

I don’t have any children of my own, but I was one, and one of my fondest memories was of my father tapping me on the shoulder at 5 o’clock in the morning and saying, “Bud, you going?” The answer to that question was a foregone conclusion to this 5-year-old boy, as it is for most children if they’re given a proper introduction!

When I arrived on the Suncoast almost four decades ago, I was fortunate to meet Captain Jonnie Walker. Walker, a fishing “institution” in Sarasota, loved taking kids fishing and his counsel, “Take a kid fishing and someday they might take you,” has always resonated with me. I’ve written many of these words before but if something bears repeating, this is it!

Captain Justin Moore and his wife Jenny (photographer) capture memories with their children that will last a lifetime. From left are Jase (6), June (9) and Jordon (12). – Jenny Moore | Submitted

Nothing is more important than how we introduce children to fishing. Experiences on the water leave indelible memories and they should be uncomplicated and as much fun as possible. Creating realistic expectations can be the key to kindling a passion for the outdoors in children. The basics of fishing are not complicated to learn, are easy to teach children and don’t require expensive equipment. If there’s a cardinal rule to getting kids interested in fishing, it’s to make sure to keep them engaged. Children are naturally curious, they love to play in and on the water and are fascinated by the creatures that inhabit the natural world. Catching fish isn’t their main objective and you shouldn’t make it the focus of an outing. It’s important to plan a trip that includes other activities such as swimming, snorkeling and wildlife identification.

Being on the water provides an excellent opportunity to teach kids about their environment and boating safety skills. You could also make a game out of learning basic nautical terms such as port, starboard, bow and stern. Every child I’ve ever had on the boat wants to drive, so let them, even if it’s just sitting on your lap with their hands on the wheel! Consider giving them something to be in charge of, such as making sure everyone knows where the safety equipment is. It’s also a great way to interject a stealth lesson in responsibility!

Try and think like a kid when fishing. Children would rather catch a dozen pinfish in a half-hour than wait for the Big One. Action is paramount because kids are easily bored and distracted. Kids might actually be more interested in collecting shells, counting crabs or looking for manatees or dolphins than fishing, so be sensitive to what’s bringing them pleasure.

Consider starting kids fishing with an ultra-light outfit that fits them. Rig with a small popping cork that they can watch for signs of action. If you can start teaching kids that the enjoyment of the adventure isn’t measured by the number or size of the fish you catch, you’ll teach them an important lesson that many anglers never learn.

It’s also important to emphasize safety by bending down barbs and making them aware of fish with sharp teeth or barbs like catfish and stingrays. The first experiences on the water are very important so consider options in advance in case the fishing isn’t great. The last thing you want to do is bore kids by sitting on a spot too long. Keep your eyes and ears open and they might just teach you a lesson in seeing the world with new eyes.

For more information, visit this Beginner fishing with kids video.

Captain Jonnie Walker can be reached at 941-232-4970, and check out his website.