August saw continued great action in the back country with record-territory catches of snook and redfish, and some tarpon whether targeting them or not. Overall reef action remained good, including some summertime king mackerel in the mix, although the annual outer reef aggregations of mangrove snappers began to thin as many began making their way back to the grassy channels of Florida Bay. Tourism in general quieted a little bit early with some Florida schools resuming a full week earlier than last year, although we stayed fairly busy right up until Hurricane Dorian became a threat. This of course killed Labor Day Weekend business, a very small price to pay compared to getting a direct hit from the storm like poor Abaco and Grand Bahama.

The relief effort here in the Keys and throughout South Florida, and by the U.S. Government, was heartening though nothing can replace the losses suffered. Post-storm, visitors have trickled back, and the back country fishing continues to be prolific. September has also seen some excellent dolphin fishing offshore.