Bussen Report – August | The Beachside Resident

By: Capt. Scott Bussen

Article Category: Canaveral Fishing Report Leave a Comment

Have you ever had one of those days — been out late, wake up a little “foggy”… Check that, “hung to the roof,” as George Thorogood might say?

No? Then here’s to you, Mr. Professional! You can party like a rock star all night long and still make your charter in the morning. You can drive your body like you stole it and wake up with a smile on your face. You can show up at the dock in the morning with that Cheshire cat grin on your face like you own the place. You can throw the cast net just one time, catching your bait without getting wet. You can charm your clients with a twinkle in your eye (behind your polarized lenses, mind you). Wherever you decide to go, the fish are there waiting for you. Every day is a holiday to you. Maybe you should make a Captain Morgan commercial.

You would think after nearly forty years, a man would learn… Maybe not. If you haven’t guessed, I woke up this morning a little foggy. I intended to spend the day wallowing in my misery and keeping the couch from escaping my living room. So, there I am, curled up on the sofa, watching “Smokey and the Bandit.” Phone rings… It’s Lucifer, with the promise of bloody marys and bloody decks. Who am I to refuse the call? There’s a saying about good intentions and the road to hell, but it happens escapes me. So, here I am. Late night. Working on another fuzzy morning, tryin’ to meet my story deadline. Oh well, I can sleep when I’m dead!

Speaking of Lucifer, how about that heat? Wow, that sounds kinda touristy, but 85 degrees at 6 in the morning is a little ridiculous. Still beats shoveling snow in the winter, I guess.

What was really hot in July was the beach fishing. The kings and tarpon were as steady as it gets last month when the conditions were right. For a portion of the month the water inshore was filthy and the bite shut down, but for the most part, the fishing was banner. Some of the best fishing was just before and directly after afternoon thunderstorms.

If water conditions remain relatively fair, the beach bite should continue well into August. The kingfish and tarpon should be accompanied by jacks, bonito, sharks, barracuda and an occasional cobia. Slow-trolled live pogies on wire stinger rigs should attract bites from any of the previously listed preditors. But, if you want to try specifically for tarpon, try using circle hooks on 50# flourocarbon monofilament.

Live bait fishing on the inshore reefs and wrecks should remain fairly constand in August, too. Kingfish, cobia, sharks, barracuda and maybe even a dolphin can be expected to jump the baits. With the blue water remaining inshore, a sail or wahoo is not out of the question. If live bait is unavailable, try Spanish sardines or cigar minnows slow-trolled behind a king buster.

As far as trolling is concerned, August is a try-at-your-own-risk kinda month. The trolling is extremely hit-or-miss this time of year. If you hit the right time and area, you can have a banner day. But it’s definitely a crap shoot. Generally, you’re gonna have to cover a lot of water to find some action. Ballyhoo and ballyhoo/lure combos should yield a mixed bag of dolphin, wahoo, sails, blackfin tuna, bonito and barracuda.

Much like trolling, bottom fishing in August is a gamble. If the water remains warm and the moon and stars align properly, a good handful of fish will be caught. The best bottom fishing this month will likely occur outside 125′. The snapper, grouper and amberjack should readily fall victim to live baits such as sardines, cigar minnows and pinfish. But don’t be afraid to try some frozen or cut bait just to make sure.

If nothin’ else, don the scuba gear and chase those wiley crustaceans they call lobsters. Make a dive or two. Catch a few bugs. Troll the live bait in between dives and catch a king or cobia. At least the dives will keep you cool for a bit.

Either way, see ya on the pond!