As summer doldrums in east Central Florida settles in, calmer sea allows those of us with shallow water boats the opportunity to venture out off the beach in search of silver kings (tarpon), smoker kings (kingfish) and much more. In June, seas clean up and ocean predators push pogy pods (Atlantic menhaden) in close to the beach. Look for large tarpon, kingfish, sharks, and jack crevalle to be following these bait pods looking for an easy meal. For best results, try slow trolling live pogies in areas of active bait schools, especially if feeding activity is present. Heavier tackle is needed – 2x strong 7/0 circle hooks, 80-100 lb. fluorocarbon or monofilament leader, 40-65 lb. braided main line, 30-50 lb. sized rods and 6000-8000 sized spinning reels. Get ready to hang on when you tie into a monster tarpon.
Fishing on the inshore flats is best during the early morning and late evening hours for trout and redfish around concentrations of silver mullet. Try working your favorite top water plug for explosive action. Focus your efforts between 5am and 9am, and in the late afternoon after the thunderstorms dissipate. Also look for schools of bay anchovies (glass minnows) in deeper waters. For trout and redfish on top water, I like the Rapala Skitter Walk and Storm Chug Bug, and then switch to the DOA CAL Shad Tail on a 1⁄4 ounce jig in deeper water as the day grows warm. Inshore tip: 10-15 lb. braided line will give you greater casting distance vs. 20 lb. test line.
