Flint Creek Outfitters Fishing Report: Summer 2019

 (July-August)

 Inshore- Reds, Snook, and Tarpon

With the heat beating down us anglers this time of year, it’s pretty frustrating to try to figure out what the fish are up to. The key to success right now is to get out on the water around sunrise or sunset, or both if you’re lucky! Look for areas with structure such as grass flats, potholes, oyster bars, and mangroves. Gurglers and streamers work well when paired up with an 8-wt Helios 3 Rod.

If you’re after tarpon, look for juveniles in the backwaters. Creek mouths, swamps, and outflows are all good places to look. For these guys, the smaller the fly the better. Most saltwater patterns in a size 4 or 6 work well. As for the large tarpon, look to the beaches and north flats toward Homosassa and Crystal River.

Freshwater- Big Bass and Bluegill If you’re like me and have a crazy summer schedule between vacations, work, parties, and other needs that require your time, you can’t always make it out to the salt. So, to meet my fly fishing need, I load up my kayak and hit one of the hundreds of lakes, ponds, creeks, and rivers that surround us. Small popping bugs and streamers can land you some nice bluegills and shellcrackers this time of year, along with the occasional crappie. Work these around structure such as cypress knees, wood, weed lines, and lily pad edges.

For some big Largemouth Bass, get out early before it warms up to much and fish a weedless hair bug near cover like grass, pads, and brush. As the day progresses, start working out toward the deeper parts of where you’re fishing. A clouser or crawfish fly works well under these conditions.

Feel free to stop by our Dade City location or give us a call to chat with me and ask questions! I’m always happy to help.

Thank you for reading this report.

Tight lines,

Gabe Littlefield