As always, the spring tarpon run was quite an event here, but many tarpon aficionados who target the fish as they barrel north toward Boca Grande don't seem to realize that what goes up must come down, and in August those tarpon that went north in May make a return. While the spring run is a spawning ritual, the fall tarpon migration is centered more around eating than procreation. Anyway, from a fisherman's perspective, it is far better to find tarpon in the dining room than the bedroom, and this is the case with August tarpon. They are a little more difficult to locate, but once found, they are more likely to eat your bait. The drill is to search for rolling fish, then anchor upcurrent and chum the fish to you.
Live baits are ideal, but cutbaits such as shad can also be effective.
Pay special attention to big balls of glass minnows that gather along the beach at this time of year. Mackerel, jacks, blue runners and ladyfish feed on these tiny baits, but tarpon also tend to wallow about in these areas inhaling the miniscule baitfish. It's convenient to be able to catch your baits and tarpon in the same area. Offshore fishing is easy in August. Red grouper are common, and keepers can be caught in as little as 30 feet of water, although 40 to 60 feet is better.