August is here, and what that means

Spanish are active in the surf

1. The last full month of SweatFest ... the festival no one likes to celebrate. It's fairly common for us to have several days this month with heat index over 110. So stay hydrated and limit your time outdoors if possible. Also be aware that water temperatures are at their highest of the year, and several strains of aquatic bacteria are active. Especially on the coast where we've had 17 cases of vibrio in Louisiana so far in 2025.  So bring an antibacterial and treat any cuts or wounds immediately.

2. It's peak hurricane season - now through September.  NOAA has predicted an above-average season, with a range of 13 to 19 total named storms (winds 39 mph or higher), and anywhere from 3 to 5 major hurricanes.  So far, we've had only three named storms, but water temperatures in the Gulf are above average and that's never a good sign.

3. Fishing is generally poor.  Because of the hot water temperatures, freshwater fish are deep and lethargic.  Best success for bass is from first light to about 9:00am.  Most of the gobbules I catch this month are smaller and thinner than the ones back in Spring.   On the coast, inside action is mediocre unless you enjoy catching hordes of ladyfish and sailcats.  Look for redfish and speckled trout in larger lakes and around islands.  On the plus side, August is the best time for catching pelagic species like jacks, spanish and king mackeral, and bluefish either nearshore, in passes, or  in lower bays.   Bull reds are making their spawning run and big schools can be found in passes or lower bays. 

4. Football season kicks off. Louisiana fly anglers love their football just slightly less than they do their fishing.  Saints preseason games start August 10th against the Chargers.  LSU faces off against Clemson on August 30th in what we hope is a title run, and a Heisman year for Garrett Nussmeimer.  Also on the 30th, the Ragin Cajuns of UL-Lafayette host Rice, Louisiana Tech and Southeast Louisiana face off, and Tulane hosts Northwestern.  UL-Monroe plays St. Francis on the 28th as a warm-up to their big game against Alabama the following week.