3 Reasons To Go Fishing At Sunset This Summer

When you wake up to go saltwater fishing before the sun has even started to cast a few glimmering rays over the horizon and the thermometer already reads 80 degrees, you know it’s summer in South Florida. Tropical summer temperatures and humidity can be quite challenging at times for both anglers and fish. However, if you time your fishing trips right, you can still stay somewhat comfortable and experience plenty of success.

The key is to check your local tide chart and plan to fish at times when the sun won’t be beating down so hard on you or the fish. This means fishing during the early morning hours (for example, between 3 AM to 6 AM if the tides are conducive) or heading out an hour or so before sunset.

Why Plan Sunset Summer Fishing Trips?

1. The fish are more active. If you plan to fish at sunset or in the evening hours, you’ll find that the fish (and the various types of bait that the fish feed on) tend to be more active. I happened to check the water temperature reading on the Lowrance while out over the weekend during the daytime hours – it was over 85 degrees. You can bet that if you’re feeling sluggish in the heat, the fish are too. On warm summer days it’s fairly common for fish to hang out in cooler, deeper waters or shaded areas that aren’t as subject to the heat of the sun. I generally see more activity towards the top of the water column after the sun goes down. Just be sure to bring a fishing buddy and a flashlight along with you, so that you can see what you’re doing as you bait your hook and cast your line.
2. You can avoid a majority of the boat traffic and crowds. This one is a no-brainer. When there are less people and fewer boats around causing commotion, there are more fish to be caught. You’ll also have a much better chance at throwing a cast net for live bait without a ton of competition.
3. Less sunburn and sweat. When you fish in the evening, you keep your skin out of the majority of the sun’s damaging rays and sweat a lot less. You certainly don’t run the same risk of heat stroke either. Although, even if you’re fishing at night, you still need to bring plenty of water along for the trip. Don’t let the excitement of a few hours of good fishing come between you and common sense.

Now that you have a better idea of how to plan for a saltwater fishing trip in Florida during the summer months, get a few specific tips on catching inshore redfish during this time of year.