by Capt. Craig Korczysnki, Contributing Writer
The excitement is mounting and many anglers know May produces fantastic fishing action. Tarpon begin their journey south cruising along our beaches and feeding in deep channels and inlets. Tarpon cruising the beach love live baits, but artificial lures work as well. The size of the tarpon range from 20 to 100 pounds. Heavier tackle is a must and early risers will get their rod bent.
Snook action is heating up; the female snook are on the move and will start to stage for the upcoming spawn. These fish can be seen cruising near sea walls and docks. Live baits soaked on the bottom and DOA C.A.L. 4-inch jerk bait and DOA 5-inch swim bait on a 1/8-ounce jig head worked in their vicinity will get your drag screaming. Mullet schools will still be in our local area and this is the time for top water plug action. Heedon spooks worked over open flats and near heavy structure will cause some explosive action. If you have never experienced top water action for snook, I recommend you try, there is nothing like it. Snook will range in size from 5 to 20 pounds. Bridges and docks at night also present great action for fly anglers; it is not uncommon to tango with 40 to 60 snook a night. If casting a fly is not your choice, a live shrimp or small crank bait will entice many fish.
Trout action in the Palm Beach area turns on, allowing anglers to feel the head shake of the beautiful yellow mouth. DOA 5-inch Swimbait in glow and gold rush belly and DOA C.A.L. 4-inch jerk bait in Arkansas glow are great baits to hook into a gator trout. Live baits work as well, but for the top water junkies, Heedon spook jr will also provide explosive action early morning and late evening.
It’s that time again, black drum on the prowl. These fish are no joke ranging from 10 to 50 pounds. Black drum can be found near sea walls and sand flats searching for any crustacean in their path. The best baits for drum are the smelliest ones; keep that in mind. DOA C.A.L. 3-inch shad in glow holographic on ¼-ounce jig head will work for the drum. DOA shrimp 3-inch in red gold glitter and the glow and gold rush belly are great choices when sight fishing drum.
Well that is the fishing forecast for May. I hope everybody enjoyed; now get out there and experience the thrill of drag screaming action. Tight Lines! Capt. Craig Korczysnki, PhlatsInshoreFishing.com, 561-644-4371