If you have followed my reports at all, you know that I am a hard core artificial bait fisherman. However, part of being a successful angler is being able to adapt different techniques and recognizing the time to take advantage of those tactics. In the heat of the summer, this may very well mean putting up the “fake” baits, and breaking out the cast net and loading the well with some good ole live bait. Now, I will admit that when I am off fishing by myself, I may not always follow my own advice as I am addicted to trying to trick a fish into eating a non-natural bait, but when it comes to keeping customers happy, you have to adapt to put fish in the boat.

The past few weeks, we have had some extremely hot temperatures here in southeastern North Carolina and in turn the water temps in our area have skyrocketed to the mid and uppers 80′s with near triple digit air temps. When weather conditions reach these extremes, the fish still eat, but to get them to bite, you have to change your approach.

Some of the more obvious changes to make are to go fishing early or late. Fish are more likely to bite while the sun is low in the sky and the ambient temperature is still relatively cool. If you have to fish during the middle of the day, find some deeper holes to fish as the water temps will be cooler in the deeper water. Also, warm water will not contain as much dissolved oxygen as cooler water and in turn, the fish don’t want to spend much energy to chase a lure. This is, in my opinion, one of the main reasons live bait gets more bites during the heat of summer than do artificial bait. A live mullet minnow or small Menhaden fished on a Carolina rig or suspended from a popping cork is a pretty easy meal for a predator fish to catch.

One of the biggest pieces of advice I can offer to the aspiring angler is to have patience. Give the fish time to bite and don’t get frustated if they don’t. Fish areas that are known to hold fish and give them a chance. If you do, it will pay off for you. On one of my most recent charters, we tried one spot for 30-45 minutes with only a couple of stingray bites, but then moved to another location and hooked up with a Redfish on the first cast. After spending 30-45 minutes in this location and catching two fish, we moved down the bank only 200 to 300 yards and caught five more fish that were of much better quality. Not to mention the few fish that we lost.

So when the weather gets hot and the fishing gets tough, remember to get creative. Try something new. Be patient and have faith. The fish still have to eat, they just don’t want to work for it. Try to put some of these tips to use and see if you don’t put more fish in the boat!!

Till next time

Tight lines!!

Capt. Brent

Once again this year I will be conducting fishing seminars at this year’s Fish Fest. Press release is below. Come out and join me and my fellow guides and have a great time learning about fishing!!

Cape Fear Christian Sportsman, A ministry of Christ Community Church, is hosting “Fish Fest ’11.” This school is open to anyone, and kids and wives are welcome. There is no cost, but a $20 donation is suggested, and the first 150 registrants get a full color custom t-shirt designed by Mark Ray. Come and learn everything you ever wanted to know about local fishing but were afraid to ask and be sure to bring a friend! The class will be from 8am-5pm February 19, 2011 at Christ Community Church (4555 Fairview Dr., Wilmington, NC). A light breakfast and lunch catered by Middle of the Island will be provided. You can read more about FishFest ‘10 in the December 21, 2010 Star News Article, see what last year’s attendees said about the event on FryingPanTower.com, and see pictures of the event at http://www.capefearsportsmen.org/PhotoGallery.aspx. If you have any questions post them to this thread and I will do my best to answer them.

Register now at www.capefearsportsmen.org/fishfest to make sure you get your free shirt designed by Mark Ray!

Once again, we are grateful to have some pretty amazing speakers! Check out the current line up:

Shallow Water and Flats Fishing for Redfish (Capt. Brent Stanley, Current Adventure Charters)

Know your Knots (Capt. Brent Stanley, Current Adventure Charters)

Live Bait King Mackerel (Capt. Jodie Gay of Blue Water Candy Lures and Rick Croson of Living Waters Guide Service, 23 and Under SKA Champions)

Speckled Trout Fishing (Capt. Ricky Kellum, The Speckled Specialist)

Fishing MirrOLures (Capt. Jot Owens)

Kayak Fishing (Capt. Nathan Raycroft, Angler’s Nook)

Catching Spanish and Blues Nearshore (Capt. Butch Foster, Yeah Right Sportfishing Charters)

Nearshore Mahi (Capt. Mat Hurlbut, Hot Ticket Fishing Charters)

Catching Marlin on Lures (Capt. Lloyd Eastlack, Intracoastal Angler)

Surf Fishing (Rusty Hooks)

Catching Stripers (Capt. Jot Owens)

Catching Flounder (Capt. Ricky Kellum, The Speckled Specialist)

Targeting Sailfish (Capt. John McDow, Midnight Wind Fishing)

Offshore Jigging (Capt. Jodie Gay of Blue Water Candy Lures and Rick Croson of Living Waters Guide Service, 23 and Under SKA Champions)

Castnetting for Live Bait (Rick Stoker, Team Fountain)

Gulfstream Trolling (Capt. Mat Hurlbut, Hot Ticket Fishing Charters)

Tying King Rigs (Rick Stoker, Team Fountain)

Fishing for Kids and First Timers (Capt. John McDow, Midnight Wind Fishing)

When it comes to jigs, I prefer to fish lightweight jigs in shallow water. By lightweight, I mean jigs that are 1/8 to 1/4oz and by shallow I am typically fishing in water less than 5 feet deep. I prefer an arrowhead or flat headed jig that is tied with deer hair. The flat jig flutters from side to side as it descends in the water column and pulls through the weeds, grass and oyster beds better than round headed or other types of jigs. The hollow fibers of deer hair allow the jig to appear full in the water and in my opinion makes it easier for the fish to see the bait. If possible, try to find a jig with at least a 3/0 hook, preferably of the black nickle type. This type of jig may not always to be easy to find in deer hair, so if you can find one without any dressing, you may want to consider tying your own deer hair on it. Your favorite fly shop should have everything you need and for a few dollars, you can get enough thread, hair and glue to tie hundreds of jigs.It doesn’t have to be pretty, but I promise you it will catch fish. As far as colors go, I prefer to fish darker colors or a mixture of dark colors on top with lighter colors on the bottom. A little gold or copper mylar flash never hurts either.

When fishing the jig, I like to use a 7-foot, graphite, light action rod matched with a 3000 series spinning reel and 10lb braid line. The light action rod will “load up” when casting, allowing you to make longer cast with the lightweight jigs. The graphite rod and the braid line will allow you to feel every little bump, rock, and oyster shell as you move the lure across the bottom.

As far as how to fish the jig, I like to fish it along a grass line at high tide. I like to pop it off of the bottom and then let it fall back down. Many times, the fish will eat the jig while it is descending and when you “pop” the jig up again, you are automatically setting the hook. Other times you will feel the distinct “bump” of the Redfish inhaling the jig and then you should immediately set the hook before the fish has a chance to swallow the jig. In the summer months, I will tip the jig with a small piece of fishbites™. It doesn’t take very much, just enough to give off a little scent in the water. In the winter months when the Pinfish are gone, I will tip it with a Berkley Gulp™ jerk shad or swimming mullet. What ever time of year it is, I will typically fish the bait slowly, especially in the colder water of winter.

So the next time you are out on the flats, try fishing a jig. The Redfish will thank you and then you will thank me!!

Tight lines and good fishing!!