May is the magical month where spring and summer collide although this year it seems spring has been here for months already. Big bait schools show up all along the west coast of Florida and the tarpon, kingfish, spanish mackerel, bonita, permit, snook and cobia come alive. For tarpon, most anglers have their best luck along the beaches. A stealthy presentation is a must. There are few things more exciting in the angling world than the strike, jump and fight of a big tarpon in 8-10 feet of crystal clear water! I recommend using your trolling motor or a push pole if you have one to get the boat into position as quietly as possible. A nose hooked threadfin, pilchard or a half dollar sized crab free lined or under a cork positioned in the path of the school will have a good shot at getting a bite. Remember to lead the fish slightly so the bait can settle into the strike zone well ahead of the fish getting there. Your tackle choices will be critical to your success if you hope to actually land the silver king! Rods in the 40-50lb class are a must with a quality back bone and firm tip. Large spinning reels are a must as well, you’ll need all the drag surface you can muster to win the battle. I use the Quantum Cabo 80’s for best results. You’ll need 50 to 65lb SpiderWire braided line with a 60 to 80lb fluorocarbon leader. For the kingfish, wire leaders are recommended if slow trolling areas of hard bottom but you can anchor up and chum as well. When anchored up, I use long shank hooks with a 50lb fluorocarbon leader or a 6-inch piece of #6 wire. You will get some cut offs but on days I’m looking for steady action and kings this works better to also get the spanish mackerel and bonita bites. Snook fishing will peak this month as well as the big breeders head to the beaches to spawn. Live pilchards, threadfins or grunts will all work well as will a frisky pinfish. This is probably one of the best months to catch that 40-inch snook of a lifetime but remember to get a quick picture and then right back in the water as these beauties are essential to a sustainable snook fishery for years to come. Enjoy the magic of May as it’s one of our best months for fishing!
Catch Capt. Michael Anderson every Saturday morning on ch32 WMOR at 6:30am for the Reel Animals Fishing Show and Saturdays for Reel Animals Saturday on 970WFLA from 6:00am to 8:00am and Sunday mornings on AM620 for the TA Mahoney Co. Reel Animals Radio Show from 7am to 9am or to book a trip call 1-866-Gamefish.