Can I find redfish in the flats in the beginning of August or is the water too warm? I’ve read incoming tides and early morning helps. Hoping to do some sight fishing.
Flats is a two part question… So i’ll answer as such.
1.) Low tide mud flats: Yes you can and will find redfish on the mud flats at low tide in august. And yes the water will be warm, and most likely off color, depending on the particular flat, tides, and wind that day… all of which will affect your sight fishing ability if the fish aren’t showing themselves, i.e. tailing, backs out of the water, busting bait, etc… I do try to time my lowtide fishing in the hot months for early morning lows… this is the best time to find cooler water on the mud, as well as for comfort for the anglers… Fish in the early mornings are more likely to be actively feeding as the water is cooler, and therefore has a higher oxygen content. you will frequently see them crawling in very shallow water busting bait early in the morning, an the fishing can be pretty good if you time it right.
2.) High tide grass flats: Obviously you’ll need a tide of around 6 feet for this to be an option, and there is alot of discussion here already on the types of flats and how to find and fish them so I won’t get into that. Here also the water is going to be warmer, so morning tides are ideal, but late afternoon or evening tides will work well too.
No matter what though remember, Hot water = Low oxygen and low oxygen = easily stressed fish. Stress a fish out too much and he will die… So. This is no time to fish light leaders or light rods. Fight the fish quickly and bring them to the boat as fast as you can, keep them in the water if at all possible, and revive them well before releasing. No sense in killing fish for no reason. Hope any of this helps.
Good luck
Mad Mike
"to hell with insane… I’m OUTsane!!! "