Archived August 2017 update: Fishing observations, departure times, fishery seasons, and charter provisions below reflect that period. Confirm current offerings and regulations before booking.
Thank you to my customers for an incredible July! We had 27 very successful trips, with excellent weather and conditions nearly every day. August usually brings a little breathing room as families head home for school, along with some changes in the fishing.
Early Starts for Reef Snapper
Water temperatures are in the mid-to-upper 80s, and the reef bite has been slowing after about 10 a.m. Mangrove and yellowtail snapper fishing remains fair to good when we get there early.
For this August schedule, I have been starting at 7 or 7:30 a.m. to work ahead of the heat. I strongly recommend a morning reef trip instead of a 1–5 p.m. outing. An afternoon trip would bring more intense sunshine and lower expectations for keeper fish. The early alarm is worth it.
Offshore Tuna, Dolphin, and Deep Dropping
Offshore, dolphin, also called mahi-mahi, are still providing opportunities. Tuna fishing has been steady at the humps, about 27 miles from shore.
At the time of this report, August was the final scheduled month for the snowy grouper and blueline tilefish fisheries discussed here. Electric deep dropping offered another option on calm days when the surface bite slowed.
Bringing a fish up from 650–800 feet is a different experience from trolling or reef fishing, and these species are excellent eating. Conditions and the rules in effect determine what we can target.
Snorkeling Visibility and Moon Jellyfish
In-water activities have been a good way to cool off, with more flexibility in departure times than reef fishing. July brought many clear blue-water days with 60–80 feet of visibility. August often brings more algae blooms, with visibility closer to 20–40 feet, although conditions vary.
The first waves of moon jellyfish have arrived across the reef. Their numbers change with the conditions, so keep an eye on what is drifting nearby. I recommend a long-sleeve rash guard and neck buff for sun coverage and to reduce exposed skin during an accidental encounter.
Prepare for a Comfortable Day
Please review the Trip Tips on my website and share the information with everybody coming aboard. Arrive on time with sun protection, drinks, and what you need for comfort. I prepare the boat and equipment; your preparation helps us keep our attention on the adventure.
During this reporting period, I supplied a cooler with water and Powerade. Guests were welcome to bring their preferred drinks, and a cooler was also useful for taking cleaned fish home cold. Confirm current provisions when planning a future trip.
If motion sickness is a concern, make a prevention plan before charter day. Ask a pharmacist or healthcare provider about suitable options and follow the directions for anything you use. Even guests who have never been sick before can find an ocean outing different from previous boating experiences.
A Challenging Start to Lobster Season
Mini season was somewhat disappointing overall. This update included observations from the August 6, 2017 regular-season opener, when we were finding many undersized lobsters and heavy interest in the accessible spots.
I have locations to explore, but I cannot promise that legal-sized lobsters will be waiting at each one. Conditions, availability, and your group’s diving abilities all shape the outcome.
Before reserving, make sure every active participant reviews the requirements and understands the work involved. I provide the boat, instruction, and access to the spots. You perform the underwater tasks needed to catch lobster.
There is always a learning curve. Familiarity with your equipment and the catching technique helps, while teamwork lets us use our time effectively. Visiting more spots creates more opportunities, but we work at a pace that stays within everybody’s abilities.
Match the Adventure to Your Expectations
Tell me whether your priority is working toward a catch or enjoying a more relaxed outing with some snorkeling and an introduction to lobstering. Those are different approaches, and knowing your goals helps me plan accordingly. The participation requirements still apply to anyone diving for lobster.
I love lobstering because we cover water, see interesting things, and solve a challenge together. It can also be physically demanding. Comfortable surface swimming alone does not tell us whether a lobster trip is a good fit, and nobody should push beyond their limits to make it work.
I would rather suggest another outing than book a trip that leaves your group struggling. If you are unsure about lobstering, tell me about your experience and what you hope to enjoy. We can talk through the options and choose a sensible starting point.
