Hello anglers! May is here and things are about to get hot! We should expect to see the water temperature reach close to 80 degrees by the end of the month. This will move some fish and trigger some fantastic action inshore and offshore.
This month might be your best chance to land that gator trout of a lifetime. If I am looking for big trout, I have three baits in mind: live menhaden, pilchards or finger mullet and a top-water plug…all of which I’ve caught 24” and bigger trout on just about every year since I’ve been fishing. I don’t enjoy anything more than the beautiful serenity of the back country waters of our bay system, especially during sunrise and sunset. This is a time that I can truly relax while fishing; no boats, wave runners, or spring breakers on pontoon rentals running over my lines. I just have to remember my bug repellent, and I’m good. If I have a live well full of minnows, I target points, bayous and creek mouths away from traffic. I push pole or drift in quietly and anchor in 2-6 feet deep and cast several baits around the boat. It is important that you fish with light tackle to maximize casting distance. Using 10- to 15-lb. pound test braided line with 15-20 pound fluorocarbon leader has been perfect for me. Hooks need to vary to bait size; just be sure you have some hook barb exposed to ensure it sets in the fish. If I choose to toss top water plugs, I get myself as shallow as possible, trim up my motor and drift. I make long casts and vary my lures and retrieves until I get strikes. Most of this can be done while wade-fishing as well.
Off the beach, look for king mackerel to come pouring in this month. I prefer to troll skirted cigar minnows and diving plugs at about 3-4 mph. I vary my depths, speed, and lures until I find fish. There will be many smaller kings caught around structure and buoys, but I also like to troll open water to find that smoker. Be sure to tip your main line with 40-60 pound wire leader.
The pompano, redfish and whiting action will be picking up down the beaches. Surf rods are recommended for casting from the beach. From a boat, I prefer the lightest tackle I can get away with. All of these fish are a thrill on light spinning gear. Shrimp, sand fleas and crabs fished on the bottom will all produce bites.
Thanks for reading and fish on!
CAPT. JASON SHINGLER
Adrenaline On H20
Panama City, FL
(850) 348-2282