Well fellow anglers, we have made it half way through the year. This year has been a bit strange as we had some colder weather in March than in January. It’s also been very dry, I’m not sure on the numbers but we are way behind. On the positive, the fishing has been good. We have been consistently catching some really nice snook. The lack of rain has kept a lot of the bigger females on the northern end of Charlotte Harbor. I’m not sure if this is a good thing or not. Snook need a certain level of salinity to spawn. With the lack of fresh water being introduced from the rivers, some of these girls are hanging around. If we all of the sudden get a major rain storm for a few days that could be bad. Don’t take that the wrong way, it would take almost a perfect scenario. It seems mother nature always takes care of herself. Also, these big girls have been around the block before. The barrier mangrove islands that have a sandy bottom, adjacent to grass flats, have been holding good numbers of snook. Also, structure such as docks have been producing very well. Live baits, such as pilchards and threadfins, have been doing very well. Snook season is closed for the summer spawn, so handle with care.
Tarpon are out on the beaches and in the pass. June is a month that some of these fish should start moving back into the harbor. Look for fish around the deeper holes and the river mouths. Small blue crabs and bigger threadfins will get the bite. Early calm mornings are the best time to locate fish. Look for them rolling or free jumping. Be courteous to other anglers, as the chances are you will be fishing around other anglers.
Snapper should be showing up in the harbor also. These lil guys can be hard to get to bite in clear water. If we start getting some rain that will help. If not a few tricks that work for me, are to down size. I will down size my hook and leader. Try dropping down to a 20# leader and a #1 or 2 hook. I will also chum with little pieces of cut bait, be careful not to over feed them.
Redfish having been biting on the higher tides. The top of the incoming and outgoing have been the most productive. Live bait has been working well. When the summer rains begin, the Red fishing will pick up even more. It seems these guys are not as spooky in the darker water.
If you would like to experience some of Charlotte Harbor’s finest fishing give me a call or send us an email. All of our trips are private and customized to fit you and your party’s needs.
Capt. Dave Stephens
941-916-5769
www.backbayxtremes.com