Pier & Shore Fishing Outlook

Pier & Shore Fishing Outlook
By David “The Pierpounder” Thornton
By the calendar, we are in mid summer. And the days are already getting noticeably shorter. But savvy shore fishermen don’t let that trick them into grabbing a few more minutes sleep. Because they know some of the best fishing of the day often occurs even before the sun rises this time of year. Even if it doesn’t, they still get to fish during the ‘coolest’ part of the day. Ha! Well maybe not “cool” per say, but occasionally drier, and definitely not as hot as mid-day. Even the water is tepid. Water temperatures are average for the end of August, in the middle to upper 80s.
The tide will be rising through the early morning hours each day into early September. Relatively deeper water near shore usually brings more gamefish near the beach to feed at first light in that situation. Hapless baitfish like 2” to 3” scaled herring (locally called “LYs”) or anchovies (“red minnows”) will school up near the beach and get savaged by ravenous hordes of ladyfish, bluefish and whatever else is big enough to eat them. That means speckled trout and slot-sized redfish may be in the mix, so a small spoon or plug that resembles these baitfish will often get bit. This is especially true during periods of calm surf when the water gets very clear, as it often does while we are stuck in this ‘summer doldrums’ weather pattern. But that may soon be interrupted…
For now the best options for from-shore anglers still appears to be schooling fish like ladyfish, bluefish and spanish mackerel at first light into the early morning. The typical ‘slow’ bite period in the middle of the day may be negated by concentrating on targeting Gulf kingcroakers (locally called “whiting”) along the lesser traffic beaches. “Whiting” are often found quite close to shore (5 to 20 yards out), occasionally in loose schools. Any light or even ultralight spinning tackle is well suited for having fun with these ‘runts’ of the drum family. They are great entertainment for the kids, keeping them occupied by catching eager fish they can easily handle. And they make fine table fare too.
Though “whiting” can be caught on the popular double drop “Pompano Rigs”, they bite better on a ‘stealthier’ single drop rig, or better yet a Fishfinder Rig (aka “Carolina Rig”) with inch long pieces of fresh cut shrimp. The leader is about a foot of clear monofilament or fluorocarbon (10# test) line with a #6 kahle or small circle hook. The swivel acts as a sinker stop for the ¼ to ½ ounce egg sinker threaded onto the main line. A 1 1/2” long strip of Fishbites may be substituted for the shrimp. Especially in locations where pinfish, baby pompano or other bothersome ‘nibblers’ keep stealing your shrimp bait. “Whiting” only average 10” to 14” long (up to a pound), but pull really well for a fish that size. They are not regulated by the state, so angler discretion is advised to prevent localized depletion. Most considerate surf anglers abide by the unwritten ’10 by 10′ rule for unregulated species. That means no more than 10 fish per angler per day, at least 10 inches long. This assures there will be plenty for everyone to share into the future.
Pompano are around too, but most are only 2” to 3” long. To catch the occasional ‘keeper’ pompano you’ll probably have to target the edges of sandbars out 50 to 70 yards with the Pompano Rigs baited with Fishbites. Live shrimp or Beach Ghost shrimp work great for them, but everything that swims may beat the pompano to your hook. Still, it is worth a shot for these fine eating fish! The low tide in the late afternoon, would be your best time to target pompano along the outer sandbar edges, or any break in the beach sandbars where the water is at least 5-6 feet deep.
Slot-sized red drum (16” to 26”) or even a little bigger, usually show up in the surf zone this time of year. At times they can even be seen swimming in schools very close to shore. You are fortunate indeed to find yourself in such a situation because competition between members in the school usually means they will bite most any live, dead or artificial bait. A jig can be especially effective on schooling redfish because it sinks quickly and the angler can drag and ‘bounce’ it up from the bottom right in front of the hungry redfish. They will often race to grab the lure before one of their schoolmates beats them to it. Years ago, anglers used a ½ ounce white or yellow Looney jig with a 3” strip of fresh cut mullet of stingray belly. Nowadays a 3” or 4” Gulp shrimp rigged on a 3/8 to ½ ounce leadhead jig is about as effective.
Until next time, here’s hoping you have tight lines, short walks and fun fishing adventures…