With the start of June, it means the kids are out of school and the thunderstorms are on the horizon. This is one of the major transition months. We will be moving into the thunderstorm season through the end of September. This means at least two things to us fishermen. First the water will start heating up close to 90 degrees. This will drive the fish into a little deeper water. It is the same concept as winter where it cools off. The second thing is the afternoon storms. These can cause a disruption or even a disaster to your fishing trip. Always know where you are and where you can duck in if a storm over takes you.
This month, even though the season is closed, you will be able to catch snook along the gulf side of the out islands. They will be cruising the surf line. If surf fishing is not your forte, you might try under the overhanging mangroves on the islands in Pine Island Sound. This will require you to get your bait under the trees. While doing this, you will catch a tree fish quite often. If this happens and you cannot get your line back, break it but go back and retrieve it when you are ready to leave. If you do not, a bird may become impaled on your hook and die. For snook, shrimp will work but minnows will produce better.
Redfish will also be hiding back under the trees, in the same area you find your snook. The big difference in these two is you may keep a redfish if it fits the slot. Remember when measuring fish without a forked tail, you have to pinch the tail. For these redfish a piece of cut bait will work nicely. You can always use your shrimp to catch something to use for the cut bait. They will also take minnows.
Our other local favorite fish is Mr. Trout. They of course are our go to fish always. They will be found over the grass flats and under the mangroves. Here shrimp are in order, but if you only want the chance at a gator trout, use greenies or white bait. As the water approaches 90 degrees, you may need to move to 6 or 7 feet of water instead of around 4 feet.
Tarpon should be roaming the inside area of Pine Island Sound. Look for them between markers 20 – 24 off St James City. They will also be in the passes and along the outside coastal islands. You can use cut catfish or good size pinfish and threadfins.
School is out, so be sure to get your kids or grandkids out on the water and teach them the right way to fish. I cannot think of a better way to keep them out of trouble. Remember boredom leads to trouble and fishing takes away the boredom.