Fishing in warm water requires patience

While I retired from guiding several years ago, I still on occasion donate trips to help worthwhile causes. Through one of these donations, I had the opportunity to fish with Wade Manaker and his (8-year-old) son Aaron. On the day of our trip, it was very hot and windy. With temperatures in excess of 100 degrees, the surface water temperature in the creeks was extremely high (over 92 degrees). When the water is this hot, the fish can become lethargic and nearly impossible to catch. Our plan was to fish the first of the incoming tide when cooler harbor water would flood the creeks and hopefully turn the bite on.

At our first location, a small creek with several deep holes adjacent to oyster bars. The water was 93 degrees. We could see Redfish slowly milling about but they were not interested in the live finger mullet and shrimp we were using for bait. I explained to Aaron that when conditions are like this we have to put our baits in the fish’s living room and be patient. Eventually, one will eat. Aaron is one of the most patient and polite 8-year-olds that I have ever met.

As the tide began to rise, the water temperature dropped a few degrees and the Redfish began to eat. It took a while but eventually a Redfish found Aaron’s bait. The fish was a strong one but Aaron was up to the task. After landing the Redfish, we took a few pictures and then took the time to revive and release the fish. Over the course of the evening, Aaron released several more fish.

On the ride back to the boat landing, I was enjoying the breeze and a beautiful sunset. Aaron tugged on my shirt. When I looked over at him he thanked me for one of the best days of his life. But, it was a pretty good day for me as well.

Contact Captain Greg Peralta at captgregp@gmail.com or call (843) 224-0099.