PORT O’CONNOR
Reported by CAPT. KIM GOULDEN
Look for Something Different
LISTEN: (2 Min, 42 Sec)
JULY AND AUGUSTin the Port O’Connor area bring us many opportunities for inshore and nearshore targets. Our water temps are certain to be high and being aware of your surroundings can sure make a difference in your fishing success.
As a guide, I have a general idea where I want to be based on the day’s conditions and the target species of my anglers. However, I’m always on the lookout for opportunities along the way.
I’m often asked what I’m looking for as I scan the top of the water. My generic answer is always “something different”.
What qualifies as something different? Here are the top four that get my attention:
1. Off-color water. A strip or section of water that appears dirty or off in color from the surrounding water. This can be a sign of fish activity or a combination of water movement over a certain bottom structure. Every now and then, you get both.
2. Dumping water. A drain that’s lined up with the wind so that it’s dumping water from one area to another can hold opportunity. Bait is often mixed in with moving water and predators can make short work of the buffet line. You’ll be fishing in the drain or downwind from this structure.
3. Windward pinch points. This setup causes water to move differently and faster than the surrounding water. The wind is pushing water towards a narrow opening which creates accelerated pushing and pulling of the water flow. Bait fish are often caught up in the current and predators find easy meals ahead of the points. In this scenario, you’ll be fishing upwind of the structure.
4. Bait, bait, bait! The presence of bait is always a good bet. Finger-sized baitfish flipping, or bait being busted by a hungry predator are good clues. I love to see a linear area of bait flipping along and just inside the grass line or drop-off of a sand/grass flat. If you’re fortunate enough to fish a flat-surf day, keep an eye out for bait in that first gut!
With warming water temps this time of year, try fishing up shallow early morning. As the sun rises and temps warm, some fish may begin to gradually move from shallow to deeper, cooler water. Focusing on these ledges or drop-offs just off shallow flats can certainly pay off.
I hope this information helps you make a game plan and leads to landing your favorite targets around the coastal bend.
As always, be safe and be nice to each other on the water! Tight lines!
Email Kim Goulden at KimGouldenFishing@gmail.com
Online: PortOConnorFishingTrip.com
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