Thread: best bet early august?

I'm definitely coming back down this fall when the fishing picks up and the swimmers are gone. When is the good time to come in the fall?

Originally Posted by CarlF

I usually don't fish in July or August. Just don't care for heat stroke during something I am supposed to be enjoying.
But if I did, I would fish lights at night.
Even then, it freakin' hot.

I agree about the heatstroke. Guys I was with last week would wait until after 1pm to play golf just to save 10 bucks, I said it was nap time.

Well unfortunately early August is the only time I can come to Gulf Shores due to my wife working in the retail world and it being the quietest time. Out of the four places I will probably fish, the pier, perdidio pass, off a dock behind the condo in little lagoon, or Ft morgan, which place do you guys think I should spend the most time at? I also see 60% chance of rain next week. That could really make my wife mad and make my trip worse than no fish. Thanks

Originally Posted by grayman

Well unfortunately early August is the only time I can come to Gulf Shores due to my wife working in the retail world and it being the quietest time. Out of the four places I will probably fish, the pier, perdidio pass, off a dock behind the condo in little lagoon, or Ft morgan, which place do you guys think I should spend the most time at? I also see 60% chance of rain next week. That could really make my wife mad and make my trip worse than no fish. Thanks

Is the dock lit or can you rig a shop-light to shine into the water at night? That's a good strategy for speckled trout. Remember to use insect repellent if you're fishing the lagoon. Regarding the pier - There's a good chance of a school of jacks coming through at the pier. Also, I'd rig for spadefish if jellyfish are around, since that's a favorite food item for spadefish. The big ones pull like crazy and you can catch them with fresh dead small shrimp pieces or shrimp fishbites! On the pier, I'm always rigged up for spanish, too. I'm throwing 3/4 of a cigar minnow at 'em, hoping for a bigger spanish. I'm there a little after five o'clock in the morning and I'm gone when it starts getting really hot. I'd stay out of the mid-day sun for a number of reasons! And still, when you're in the sun at all, wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with high UV protection.


About the rain -- it's typical for August that a portion of the day will have showers. If it weren't that way, South Alabama would be a desert! You don't want to be on a pier, dock or beach when there's lightning! You may want to devise a strategy, in advance, for an indoor activity if there's a summer squall that comes through.

Dock has a light but its been burned out the last few years we have been there. We're going to bring a spot light or submersible light to hang off the dock. Not sure I can reach the bulb. We've fished the pier for about 6 years, just havent gone to the octi. My son doesn't want to make anybody mad if he messes up. He's 15 now so I told him we are going to the end with the big boys! As for the heat I'm pretty used to it out here in Texas its pretty darn hot right now. Lived in Islamorada florida keys for ten years so I'm also familiar with the surprise rain storms. Will be there next week. Hope to meet some of you guys.

grayman don't worry your son "messing up". Getting lines crossed and tangled on the octi is inevitable. Just go under or over the guy or girl next to you and be courteous, kind and cooperative-the stranger next to you may be the one who gaffs YOUR fish. Get out of the way if someone is hooked up and moving around the rail to land a fish. Keep your tackle, cart, cooler and equipment behind the red line and never leave a rod unattended on the rail unless you don't mind watching it head for Key West when a king or jack grabs it, or it gets knocked over and broken by someone moving around the rail to fight a fish. Your trip will go smoother if you go out and observe what others are doing for few minutes before you start fishing. Good luck!