FISHING REPORT: August 19th, 2026
Weather/Water Conditions
The weather and water have been about as good as you could ask for over the last week. The wind finally settled down, giving anglers some beautiful days on the bay, oceanfront, and offshore. The weather also cooperated for the Big Man’s Cobia Tournament, allowing plenty of anglers to get out both days and take advantage of the conditions.
Water clarity has stayed exceptionally clean, with clear water inshore, throughout the bay, and off the oceanfront—especially during the middle of the day.
- Wind: Light and manageable
- Water clarity: Very clear
- Overall conditions: Excellent and improving
What's Biting Inshore
The inshore bite has been a little quieter compared to the bay and offshore, but those putting in the time are still getting rewarded.
- Red Drum – still being caught here and there around shorelines and underneath docks.
- Flounder – the bite has slowed some, but fish are still being caught by anglers putting in the time.
- Bluefish – the big blitz has slowed down somewhat, although there are still plenty of fish around.
- Striped Bass – a few are still hanging around and providing another option for inshore anglers.
- Mullet – running through the inlets and making excellent bait for flounder, if the blues don't get to them first.
Most consistent setup we've seen:
Live mullet has been a great option for flounder and other inshore predators. Find the bait and work the shorelines, docks, and structure rather than sitting in one spot too long.
What's Biting In The Bay/Ocean/Offshore
The bay has been the place to be lately.
- Cobia – the bite continues to produce, with plenty of anglers getting out and finding fish. Eels are still getting eaten, but the real story has been the amount of bunker around. Those willing to get the cast net out and catch fresh bunker have been rewarded, with cobia absolutely loving them.
- Red Drum – still providing opportunities for anglers targeting the bigger fish throughout the bay.
- Flounder – plenty of fish continue to be caught throughout the bay.
Offshore action has also been strong:
- Black Sea Bass
- Flounder
- Cobia
- Triggerfish
We've also seen some excellent catches from the guys spearfishing offshore. There's plenty of life out there right now.
Hot Tip:
If you're heading out looking for cobia, don't overlook the bunker. Eels will still produce, but when you find a good school of bunker, getting fresh bait in the boat can make a huge difference.
Best Bite Window
For those trying to time it right, here's when we're seeing the best action:
Best times:
- Early morning
- Midday when water clarity is at its best for sight fishing
- Late afternoon and evening for inshore fishing
Tide influence:
Moving water around bait schools, shorelines, docks, and structure continues to be important. When you find bait being pushed by current, spend some time working that area.
If you're new, don't feel like you have to run miles offshore to find fish. Find the bait, watch the water, and let the conditions tell you where to spend your time.
Fishing Tips
What's been working consistently:
- Live eels for cobia
- Fresh bunker for cobia and drum
- Live mullet for inshore flounder
- Flounder rigs and soft plastics
- Jigs for cobia and offshore structure
- Bottom rigs for sea bass and triggerfish
- Cast nets for getting your own fresh bunker and mullet
We've got the bait, rigs, tackle, and gear you need to take advantage of the current bite. Stop by the shop and we'll help get you dialed in for wherever you're headed.
Looking ahead
Heading into next week, expect:
- Continued warm summer temperatures and water.
- More favorable wind conditions providing opportunities to get offshore and into the bay.
- Cobia and bull red drum remaining strong throughout the bay.
- Flounder continuing to produce in the bay and offshore.
- Continued opportunities for Spanish, blues, and drum from the beaches.
- More bait moving through the area as we head deeper into the late-summer transition.
The inshore bite has been a little slower than we'd like to see, but there's plenty of life throughout the bay and offshore right now. We're keeping our fingers crossed that the inshore bite gets a shot in the arm soon. Until then, take advantage of these beautiful weather windows, find the bait, and go get tight.