Hello anglers! It’s hard to believe we are already rolling into June. An exciting time welcomed by many, especially kids out of school for the summer. The best memories on the water are made with kids…take one fishing! As the waters warm up to stable temperatures and the migratory fish are all here, we have many options out there for success.
BAY: Trout and redfish will be all over the shallow flats. Top-water plugs will produce early and late in the day. I like to start at dawn with top water plugs, as the sun rises I go to soft plastics or live bait in the shallows this month. Reverse the same method if I fish afternoon to sunset. My goal is to work the top during lower light and cooler conditions. I go to live bait or sinking, diving, or any subsurface baits when the sun is high during the hot months, but here are many methods that may work on any given day. It’s not a bad idea to start working those deep holes and don’t hesitate to send down larger live baits this month.
GULF: I am very excited about the gag grouper bite because for the last 2 months I have been releasing some awesome fish! I was worried about near shore grouper directly after the hurricane but, its good! Drop those big baits on conventional gear over or near structure and remember those first five seconds are 90% of the battle. Grouper are typically ambush feeders that lie in holes or alongside of structure and they ambush prey then run directly back to their home. I’ve caught many grouper with hooks and leader material hanging from their mouths indicating that someone else wasn’t so lucky. It’s imperative to rig strong and use a medium to heavy class rod if you seek these tasty beasts! Many other species will be available this month and snapper will be high on the list. King mackerel will be on fire! I suggest loading the boat down with your best gear rigged for all occasions because it’s hard to beat the month of June in the gulf.
SURF: Keep tossing those spoons and gotcha plugs for Spanish mackerel, lady fish, blue fish, blue runners, and bonito because they will be thick along the beach. Pompano and whiting will still be good in some areas. Keep a couple of big spinning rods rigged with a wire leader to toss fresh cut or live bait for those sharks and king mackerel cruising the beach.
Thanks for reading folks. Fish On!
CAPT. JASON SHINGLER
Adrenaline On H20
Panama City, FL
(850) 348-2282