07-20-2001, 05:45 PM
Thankfully, July has only sent us weather so far that doesn’t merit a first name. Downpours, wind, a cold front (in July?) have mildly hampered our fishing efforts, but it hasn’t shut the fish completely down. Granted there are some days when a fishing guide should just give up & head for the hill, but our repeat anglers are mostly pretty hard core and rise to the challenge. <br><br>Our Flats fishing guide’s -Tommy, Chris, Jason, Nathan plus sometimes Anthony & Scott - have had a great season so far this summer with plenty of hookups as well as jumped & "boated" fish (released alongside the boat - which is why I don’t have photos). The majority of tarpon have been caught on fly by those anglers skilled & lucky enough to get the fly in "The Zone". I would love to tell you where each and every fish has been caught, but that would be the death of me-literally! The main concern this season hasn’t been the weather but that pesky critter commonly known as the *"Spot-Hog". This pest causes general mayhem in the fishing community with his refusal to respect not only other anglers, but also those hard working guys trying to make a living entertaining anglers on the water. August dates are still available.<br><br>Bayfishing & Offshore trips have been productive for the most part as well, again weather being a factor. In the shallower water you can expect to find Seatrout, Redfish, Flounder, Tripletail, Sharks, Jack Crevalle etc, while offshore Grouper & Snapper are the targets. August is generally more of the same with some species moving to deeper, cooler water. Please check the website for Bay & Offshore photos.<br><br>Now is the time to make your fall fishing plans, whether you are hiring a guide or heading out on your own. From about the middle of September through Thanksgiving time the fishing in the Apalachicola Bay area shouldn’t be missed. <br><br>*Spot-Hog - A private angler who follows a professional fishing guide from spot to spot in his own boat, watching their every move with binoculars, then marking the spots with their GPS with the intention of beating the guide to that same spot the next morning, sometimes even sleeping anchored up in their boat while waiting for the sun to rise. (Not content to enjoy the whole fishing experience, but focused only on the catch.) The "Sneaky Spot-Hog" hires a guide to take him fishing, then magically appears the next day in the same places. <br><br>Kathy Robinson<br>Robinson Brothers Guide Service<br>152 17th St. ~ Apalachicola, FL 32320<br>850-653-8896<br> www.FloridaRedfish.com<br>Robinson@FlaRedfish.com<br><br><br>