FISHING REPORT: August 27th, 2026
Weather/Water Conditions
The water has been tremendously clear this week, with temperatures holding in the upper 70s to low 80s. That warm, clear water has kept both the fish and bait active throughout the area.
Wind has stayed relatively light, giving us some slick conditions inshore and throughout the bay. Overall, conditions have been excellent for getting out and fishing at just about any point during the day.
- Wind: Light and manageable
- Water clarity: Exceptionally clear
- Overall conditions: Excellent and consistent
What's Biting Inshore
The inshore bite has slowed down considerably compared to the past few weeks, but there are still some opportunities if you're willing to put in the time.
- Red Drum – a few fish are being found around grass flats, especially where bait is present.
- Flounder – the inshore bite has slowed, but fish are still being caught.
- Bunker – plenty have been spotted around the mouth of the inlet and pushing into the inlet itself.
The inshore bite may be slower right now, but there's still plenty of time for the puppy drum and trout to make their push into the backwaters.
Most consistent setup we've seen:
Live bait is still the way to go. Sea mullet, spot, croaker, mud minnows, and mullet are all still moving through the area and giving anglers plenty of options.
What's Biting In The Bay/Ocean/Offshore
The bay continues to be the place to be, especially for anglers looking to stay on fish while the inshore bite slows.
- Cobia – still keeping anglers busy and keying heavily on the large bunker schools.
- Flounder – continuing to produce throughout the bay.
- Spanish Mackerel – absolutely smoking right now. Fish are being caught from the beach, off the piers, and throughout the bay.
- Sheepshead – the bite has slowed some, but fish are still around structure and available for anglers targeting them.
- Red Drum – scattered fish continue to be found throughout the bay.
Offshore, the windmills have been producing:
- Black Sea Bass
- Flounder
- Some smaller mahi
- Cobia
The black sea bass and flounder have been particularly thick around the windmills.
Hot Tip:
If you're targeting cobia, keep your eyes open for bunker balls. When you find the bunker, you have a much better chance of finding the cobia. Bring a cast net and be ready to make your own fresh bait.
Best Bite Window
For those trying to time it right, here's when we're seeing the best action:
Best times:
- Early morning
- Late afternoon into the evening
- Spanish mackerel have been particularly active during these lower-light windows
- Offshore fishing has remained productive throughout the day
Tide influence:
Bait movement continues to be one of the biggest factors. Find the bait and pay attention to where it's being pushed by current, especially around inlet mouths, grass flats, and structure.
If you're new, start with the bait. Finding where the bait is holding can save you a lot of time searching for fish.
Fishing Tips
What's been working consistently:
- Live mullet
- Sea mullet
- Spot
- Croaker
- Mud minnows
- Bunker
- Squid for sea bass and flounder
- Paddle tails
- Z-Man Mullettron
- Z-Man Prawn StarZ
- Spoons for Spanish and blues
- Gotcha plugs
- Small bucktails
- Live eels and bucktails for cobia
The same setups we've been recommending over the last few weeks are still producing. Stop by the shop and we'll get you set up with the bait, rigs, jigs, and tackle for whatever you're targeting.
Looking ahead
Heading into next week, expect:
- Water temperatures continuing to hold in the upper 70s to low 80s.
- Clear water and favorable conditions as long as the lighter winds continue.
- Spanish mackerel remaining one of the hottest bites around.
- Cobia and flounder continuing to produce in the bay.
- Black sea bass and flounder remaining strong around the offshore windmills.
- Continued opportunities for red drum inshore as bait pushes farther into the backwaters.
- Increasing chances of puppy drum and trout making their move into the inlets.
The inshore bite may be in a little bit of a lull right now, but we're not worried about it. The water is warm, the bait is here, and there's still plenty of time for that late-summer inshore bite to turn back on. In the meantime, the bay, oceanfront, and offshore fishing are giving anglers plenty of reasons to get out there.