KING: Words of wisdom for July fishing outings

July is one of the tougher months of the whole year to try to catch fish. Most of the fish have retreated to the deeper water, and who can blame them?

July temperatures and humidities are always most oppressive. The sun is drawing a major bead on the earth and water temperatures are about as warm as they get.

Most of the fish have left the shallow waters after the spring run to spawn. They feed heavily just after the spawn, but when full summer arrives, they really do not care if they find a meal every day.

The hit or miss pattern is really showing up in all the waters we fish. The fish in the ocean, sounds, rivers, creeks, and even farm ponds are becoming more lethargic as summer kicks into full gear.

There are still plenty of fish to catch if you study the patterns they develop. Early mornings and late afternoons are usually the best times to try. Light south or west winds this time of year seem to be what most of the fish prefer.

Since the fish are moving to the deeper, cooler water, it makes no sense to continue to beat the bank to death, especially when the sun is high in the sky.

Move offshore and slow the lure down. Baits fished close to the bottom are great tactics for speckled trout, flounder, and puppy drum in this July heat.

For years we have fished the banks of the Pamlico Sound, even when it was so hot the deer flies would vaporize on the chrome rail of the boat. We usually fish artificial baits, and have fairly good luck when the sun is low in the sky or it is cloudy.

Recently we have found a better way to catch more fish, especially during the scorching heat of the day.

We are using more live bait than ever before to put some quality fish in the cooler.

Sure it takes some time from the day to gather this bait from the marshes, but the fish have become very finicky, and will strike this natural bait when they will turn their noses up at an artificial lure.

For years we caught pinfish on our artificial baits quite by mistake. Many times the pinfish would get us, by cutting our expensive baits in half, leaving us with only a jig head and a hook. The aggressive pinfish have cost us a great deal of money over the last few seasons.

Now we spend time fishing for pinfish, because they make an excellent bait for the larger fish we are looking for. We feel we are finally getting even with the bait stealers. Smaller pinfish tend to fool the biggest trout.

In the last few weeks we have used soft-shelled crabs for bait during the heat of the day.

Black drum and speckled trout cannot resist their flavor.

Soft-shelled crabs are harder to find but well worth the effort. If some are left over at the end of the day, it is a real bonus for the table.

We have altered our fishing habits somewhat for this summer heat, and are experimenting with some very unfamiliar places. So far we have experienced a great deal of success.

The nautical charts are quite interesting for study, and clearly show where we can find deep points and cooler water this time of year.

We have not been to Hobucken in a while. Maybe this weekend we will give it a try if the wind is from a favorable direction.