Any avid fisherman knows that late summer is a great time for inshore fishing. Many gamefish are more active now, making them more likely to bite your lure. And artificial lures are a great option for targeting these late summer fish. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, so you can match them to the specific fish you’re targeting. So if you’re looking for a great way to catch late summer inshore fish, lures might be the way to go.
What is Inshore Fishing?
Inshore fishing is saltwater fishing that occurs close to the shoreline, generally in shallow water. This contrasts with offshore fishing like nearshore and deep sea fishing, which occurs further in deep waters. Inshore fishing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get exercise while having the chance to catch a variety of fish species. When inshore fishing with artificial lures, it is essential to use the right bait for the type of fish.
Target Species
Knowing what you’re targeting while fishing is the most critical part of the information you need when figuring out what type of lures you will use. In St. Pete, plenty of game fish are worth the effort to hook and reel. Let’s examine some fish and what lures would work best for them.
Redfish
One of the best fish to target during late summer is the redfish. These fish are active during the twilight hours of the day, making them a perfect match for topwater lures. When choosing a lure, it’s essential to keep the profile small. Around this time of year, the baitfish are typically small, so larger lures will look out of place and spook the redfish off.
High heat temperatures can make it difficult for fish to feed effectively during the day. When it gets too hot outside, redfish often seek deeper pockets of water where temperatures are more stable. Once they’ve found a comfortable spot, they’ll wait for the sun to set before they start hunting again. These fish often push bait up against shorelines and pin it to structure. To increase your chances of success, try working your topwater lures parallel to the bank.
Snook
These feisty fish are found in late summer in areas like beaches, passes, and flats. Snook are most active during the two hours around dawn and dusk, so this is the best time to try to catch them. Throw out some top water plugs or paddle tails during this time, and you’ll surely get a bite. The best baits for snook fishing are shrimp, finger mullet, and pinfish, so your best bet is to mimic these fish with your lures. For any water depth, the best lures are 3-inch and 5-inch white paddle tails with a 1/8-ounce jig head. For deeper water fishing, try a 1 1/2 ounce flair hawk jig.
Techniques
Many different techniques can be used when inshore fishing with artificial lures. Some standard methods include bottom bouncing, free-lining, and jigging. Bottom bouncing involves letting your lure sink down to the bottom and then retrieving it slowly while jigging it up and down. Free-lining involves casting your lure out and letting it drift with the current while occasionally reeling in the slack line. Jigging involves lifting your rod tip up and down while spinning in a slack line, so your lure swims erratically up and down in the water column. Experiment with different techniques until you find one that works best for the type of fish you are trying to catch and the area you are fishing in.
Final Word
Inshore fishing with artificial lures can be a great way to catch various fish species in St. Pete, FL. It is vital to use the right bait for the type of fish you are targeting and to experiment with different techniques until you find one that works best for you. Whether you’re experienced in fishing or not, you’re sure to have a great day fishing out on the water if you book your trip today with one of St. Pete’s fishing charter Captains. Now get out there and enjoy some inshore fishing!
