June in SWFL

Capt. Bart Marx

Caption: 32” cobia released, unharmed.

Hello fellow anglers June in S.W. Florida and things are hot. According to our Governor DeSantis the State of Florida is giving the private sector 50+ days to harvest American Red Snapper! Wow that means we can run out to the 100 ft. + to target these fine eating snapper. Do not quote me I think it starts June 10th and runs till July 28th check the FWC and NOAA for your own knowledge. Typically, this time of year the Tarpon are the hot target species. Boca Grande being billed as the best Tarpon fishing in the world, just in our back yard. They are amazing creatures so unpredictable in there feeding habits as one of the Old Timers shared with me. I asked Capt. Mark Futch of the Futch family on Boca one day what is the most predictable thing about tarpon fishing, they are unpredictable. I thanked him and mentioned that I was on the proper learning curve. They are great fighters no matter what size one you hook they go crazy. I like fishing the beach and up in the Harbor away from the bumper boats in the pass. I have one check in the box yet to accomplish is to stick one with my 12wt. fly rod then I feel I have completed my tarpon needs. Let’s talk about offshore on the way out to the 100ft. we will be passing by some good yellow tail snapper starting in 70ft. and on some of the wrecks, there you may find some of those reef donkeys/aj’s. Also, on the wrecks if you bring some crabs or shrimp to toss at the permit that you may come across too. The red grouper should be closer to shore now that the water has warmed up to harvest some of those. While you are traveling out in the depths keep your eyes open for the birds and or schools of bait rising to the top trying to escape predictors. Yea things should be busy inshore too. This could be your chance to catch a S.W.Florida Grand Slam. What is that, snook, red, trout, and a tarpon on the same trip. The snook should be doing their thing spawning and feeding along the points and beaches and close reefs out to 45ft. There is plenty to target this month that is great table fare. So if you would like to come along with Capt. Bart and target some of these species, of if you would like me to go with you on your boat for a training session give Capt. Bart Marx a call 941-979-6517 or e-mail me at captbart@alphaomegacharters.com  And always remember singing drags and tight lines make me smile. <*(((((>{