Fishingcast: Conditions for Marco Island, Aug. 11-17

BACKWATER

More of the same storm pattern. Some lessening of intensity. Heat a major issue; Air real feel to 105 mid-week; water temp p.m. to 90. Wind moderate, mostly southwest; water still tannic but clean. Tides post full moon; equal range moderate tides. Snook are top draw as warm, hot water conditions continue. Bait plentiful, best pilchards or small threadfin. Johnson Bay / Henderson Creek best venues deeper cuts a.m. ebb before late morning. Snapper equally hot target, most shorelines with downed trees on tad of shrimp. Best timing hour either side of slack.

NEARSHORE

Favorable sea conditions early. First action on tinker mackerel outer Capri Pass to Sea Buoy, tipped white jig on drift. Early a.m. bottom action Walton Reef on lane, mangrove snapper on weighted jigs under chum. Shark action same venue on cut bait to bottom, wire leader, stout gear.

OFFSHORE

Early action best. Solid reports yellowtail snapper action mid-range wrecks holding bait. Free-lined tad of chum on #6 hook into existing chum slick with bail open, wait to set. Deep wrecks have resident kingfish working bait schools. Try live blue runner under float (10-15’) on wire under chum. Sharks same venue on mega cut bait to bottom.