July 30 - Are these the Doldrums? What to do about it?

[JohnR]

July 30 - Are these the Doldrums? Are we that deep in the mid-summer muck? Things stank all over?

What to do, what to do?

Go freshwater? Chase Blooofish?

I'm stumped I'm so FAR out of my rhythm with this new job I'm out less than once per week so even though I know it is the beginning of August I feel like it should be the beginning of June

Sorry for the Ramble / Rant

[KeyWest225]

I think the weather has not helped. I have planned to play hookey quite a few days from work to take the boat out and the night before cancelled due to the forecast. I can't believe we are staring at August! Think positive and have great success in August.

[Rockport24]

I think the answer is get in a boat or kayak!

[Rockfish9]

Originally Posted by Karl F

I have been told by more than one old timer... that there is no such thing.......

And I agrree.....

[basswipe]

I actually got a few schoolies last night fishing around some docks like the freshwater bass guys do.Been a little occupied lately so it was nice to actually catch something.

[numbskull]

Spring and fall migrations let us pretend we are better fisherman than we really are. Finding and catching good fish from shore in the summer is a much better test of one's knowledge, skill, endurance, and commitment. It is also expensive and, for most, requires travel with very uncertain reward. They are out there, though.

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by numbskull

Spring and fall migrations let us pretend we are better fisherman than we really are. Finding and catching good fish from shore in the summer is a much better test of one's knowledge, skill, endurance, and commitment. It is also expensive and, for most, requires travel with very uncertain reward. They are out there, though.

Aye Kapitan! Therein lies the rub, job and family commitments have obscured my ability to get out when the going was good. Now that the goings are nossomuch I need to wrap my mind around my few opportunities that exist to chase summer fish.

I've often done OK in the past this time of year (considering the time of year) with a pick of decent fish and I just need to mentally get myself in that mindset. I just can't believe TOMORROW kicks off August.

[hyefisherman2]

Originally Posted by numbskull

Spring and fall migrations let us pretend we are better fisherman than we really are. Finding and catching good fish from shore in the summer is a much better test of one's knowledge, skill, endurance, and commitment. It is also expensive and, for most, requires travel with very uncertain reward. They are out there, though.

right on



.....

[Bocephus]

try and find colder water, hope for bass but mostly catch bluefish I snorkel my spots when its warm to check out stuff and grab a few quahogs while im down there

[BassyiusMaximus]

I would have to say, that even though the fishing might be tougher, one still has to try because, as we know all to well here in NE, all we'll have is this forum to just "wish" about going fishing once this fall/winter comes. So as the time/this season is so limited and we have the chance to at least try, try.

[jimmy z]

I just keep pluggin' away. In the past, I have done ok, during July and August.

[hyefisherman2]

For me, I just have to jig harder and longer...there are some good fish in the canal all season long, you just gotta know your spots and jig your brains out!!!

[Plum Crazy]

Originally Posted by JohnR

July 30 - Are these the Doldrums? Are we that deep in the mid-summer muck? Things stank all over?

What to do, what to do?

Go freshwater? Chase Blooofish?

I'm stumped I'm so FAR out of my rhythm with this new job I'm out less than once per week so even though I know it is the beginning of August I feel like it should be the beginning of June

Sorry for the Ramble / Rant

Is it the doldrums?

Yes it is and how quickly we forget.
After a few months of constant catching we are all blown away by the fact that we are now getting nothing.
It happens every year. Did you forget?
July sucks. August nights will be better. Chin up!
Get some much needed sleep and refurb the tackle. The fish are coming back.

[cheferson]

The summer doldrums are like a bright full moon, just another excuse why you arent catching any fish.

[Nebe]

ahh yes.. those 2 legged bed thrashers.

beautiful plumage.. beautiful.

Crafty, its good to see you back. I can still smell the drunken blackfish stew.. mmmmm

[BasicPatrick]

I also do not beleive in the doldrums

I also completely agree with Crafty on the life responsibilities etc

I also found some fish...bigger schoolies to small keepers up to 32" at a spot Flap knows where

Smart fishing time is definately upon us....find the water colder than the surrounding waters....think concentrations of bait or where bait should be concentrating...they are there...the super large might be deep but there are plenty of fish to be caught...oh yeah, the nite time is the right time for having fun

[Striperhound]

My late July to Labor day routine was pretty consistent for numbers of bass with a few larger fish mixed in. It consisted of deeper water close to near shore shoals and reefs and rough surf. If you didnt get soaked from the surf the fishing was inconsistent.

[wheresmy50]

You want doldrums, come down here.

RI has a period of normal fishing surrounded by months of excellent fishing.

[ProfessorM]

Pretty slow in my neck of the woods. I thought nites would be better but I have not caught much until false dawn and as soon as the sun comes up it is lock jaw. Fish are there but just don't seem to want to eat and living on 4 hours sleep and having to work right after I am getting beat. Been marking some nice schools of fish, in the last week, just not hungry when I am there. Dinner bell probably rings when the fish hear me pull the boat. That's fishing. One observance I have had is not much of a drop off to guys out there during the weekdays. Pretty much same as any year. Most of the boats are smaller single engine boats and gas $$$ has not seem too much of a deterrent as the price, fish, has remained pretty high

[rjinhull]

I haven’t been tearing them up but I have done pretty well I think
42” last week
34” this week
Bait is getting harder to find

[t.orlando]

No such thing as summer doldrums. I like July and August for quality.