High pressure this week has meant hotter more summer like weather. Shrimp are plentiful in the sounds, so plentiful that price per pound is as low can be expected. Some of the best reports of trout being caught (both in the creeks and in the sounds) are on large polywogs. Large polywogs can be a more resistant to trash fish. Simply keeping a large meaty bait in the water a little longer will increase yours odds for a hook up on a quality fish. There’s plenty of bait (pogies) around salt pond and the south end of Warsaw Island. When schools of bait fish aren’t plentiful shark and tarpon fishing will usually be slower. Fishing close to where you find bait is as Martha Stewart would say is a good thing. Mud minnows are a great durable bait requiring little oxygen and care. Nonetheless mud minnows (also known as polywogs) are still susceptible to heat. In general trout, bass and flounder will readily take a mud minnow. Black drum and sheaphead prefer shrimp or small crabs. Having more than one type of bait you give a fisherman more options. Plastics that resemble shrimp and ones that are darker colors such as rootbeer have been working well.

The big event this weekend in Savannah is the Savannah Sportfishing Shootout. This tournament has both a kingfish and redfish component. Local tackle shops and marinas should have the information on how to register or go call the event organizer Ken Thompson at 888-242-7919.

Lots of fishermen have been reporting numerous small trout and bass. The expectation is fall looks promising! The flounder bite has been excellent. As we head into the dog days of summer in general the best fishing will likely be early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Fall is right around the corner so despair about the mid day heat. Drink plenty of water and try to plan your fishing during the cooler parts of the day and fish where a breeze is likely.

Good Fishing! Capt. Jack McGowan