The Catch of August

July 30, 2024

Living Right Fishing Charters offers a thrilling fishing experience in the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico, particularly around Fort Walton Beach. August is an exciting month for anglers, with a diverse range of fish species available to catch. Here, we explore the various fish you might encounter and the best techniques to catch them.

Fish Species Caught in August

Redfish (Red Drum)

Redfish, or Red Drum, are a prized catch for their fighting spirit and delicious taste. Found in both inshore and nearshore waters, they are known to put up a strong fight, making them a favorite among sport fishermen.

• Habitat: Shallow waters, especially near oyster beds and grass flats.
• Bait and Techniques: Live shrimp, mullet, or artificial lures like soft plastics and spoons.

Speckled Trout (Spotted Seatrout)

Speckled Trout are abundant in the Gulf waters and are often found in grassy flats and around oyster bars. They are fun to catch and offer a rewarding fishing experience.

• Habitat: Grass flats, oyster bars, and sandy bottoms.
• Bait and Techniques: Live shrimp, pinfish, or topwater lures in the early morning or late evening.

Flounder

Flounder are bottom-dwelling fish known for their delectable meat. They are usually found near sandy or muddy bottoms and require a bit of patience to catch.

• Habitat: Sandy or muddy bottoms, often near shorelines.
• Bait and Techniques: Live mullet or mud minnows, fished on the bottom with a weight to keep the bait in place.

Exciting Catches in the Gulf Waters

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel are known for their speed and sharp teeth. These fish are often found in schools near the surface, making for an exciting fishing trip.

• Habitat: Nearshore waters, often in schools.
• Bait and Techniques: Small lures, jigs, or live bait like pilchards and herring.

King Mackerel (Kingfish)

Larger than their Spanish relatives, King Mackerel are popular for their size and taste. They provide a thrilling challenge for anglers.

• Habitat: Offshore waters, often around wrecks and reefs.
• Bait and Techniques: Trolling with live bait or large lures, often at varying depths.

Black Drum

Black Drum are similar to Redfish but generally larger. They are often found near structures like bridges and docks and can grow to impressive sizes.

• Habitat: Near structures such as bridges, docks, and piers.
• Bait and Techniques: Live or dead shrimp, crabs, and cut bait.

Unique and Tasty Catches

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are recognizable by their striped appearance and are commonly found around pilings and rocky areas. They are known for their delicious taste.

• Habitat: Around pilings, rocky areas, and other structures.
• Bait and Techniques: Fiddler crabs, shrimp, and barnacles, fished close to structures.

Tarpon

Known as the “silver king,” Tarpon are a favorite among sport fishermen for their impressive jumps and strong fight. However, they are catch-and-release only due to their protected status.

• Habitat: Coastal waters, estuaries, and nearshore.
• Bait and Techniques: Live bait like mullet and pinfish, or artificial lures.

Mangrove Snapper

Mangrove Snapper are often found around structures like reefs, wrecks, and mangroves. They are known for their sharp teeth and delicious meat.

• Habitat: Around reefs, wrecks, and mangrove roots.
• Bait and Techniques: Live shrimp, small fish, and cut bait.

Fishing in Fort Walton Beach with Living Right Fishing Charters during August offers an incredible variety of fish species, each with its own unique challenges and rewards. Whether you’re looking to catch a hard-fighting Redfish or a tasty Flounder, the Gulf of Mexico provides an angling experience like no other.