Had some happy campers on Aug. 27. Redfish were scarce inshore and we caught only one, early in the morning. Eased out a mile off the coast and scratched up some nice trout using artificials, and Karl caught his biggest ever redfish on a white worm. Not sure what that redfish was doing way off the coast, but it was a pretty one. His wife used a cork and bait, and wore out the small sharks, landing 13. And two keeper trout. Several bluefish released. We were fortunate that the only big rain shower stayed further offshore. Gulf was calm, floating seagrass moderate.

We've been doing pretty well on redfish, with schools of jack crevalle running by, and they'll hit topwaters, spoons or jigs. In the mornings, some topwater action on trout. We caught a pair of snook, last trip, and those powerful fish were carefully released. I think the season opens for them on Sept. 1. The fall mullet run is due. to kick off any day now, probably with the NE breeze we expect later this week. That should get the predators going after their favorite baitfish.

No charters the past few days, so I coaxed my neighbors out redfishing. Perfect weather, too. The guys lost the first two big redfish, a pulled hook and a broken leader, but we settled down and landed the next six. Two reds were too big to keep, 27.5 and 30 inch reds, and were released. Most reds were upper-slot fish. Also caught a 20-inch trout and a couple of sheepshead. Not bad for a four-hour trip.

We managed to find six keeper-sized redfish and three eating-size black drum, after a chilly morning ride. Also a couple of flounder. Trout have been very scarce. It warmed up at mid-day and the weather was nice. This was before the big cold front hit on Sunday night.

A lady angler caught this 40-plus inch redfish today from my boat, on a light trout rod with 12-pound line, quite a battle. This redfish was the biggest we've ever seen in these shallow waters. Dutifully released. We also had 10 flounder, 10 other redfish, and four keeper trout. Quite a day.

The tide was very low in the morning and boats had to stay offshore to run the coastline. We found a school of trout, anchored up and caught three limits while sitting in the same spot. Here are some of the first fish before limiting out. The morning boat ride was chilly, but the afternoon turned out perfect. These guys really got into the fishing, even boating their own fish with the landing net. Great trip.