South County Inshore and Freshwater: June 2020

7 year old Nathan with a monster clown knifefish.

By Capt. Patrick Smith, Contributing Writer

It’s good to be back and hopefully this virus will be behind us soon.  Luckily, it affected the fish in a good way. They caught a well needed break but now it’s time to get out there and rip some lips. Full summer swing is in effect. Snook are in the inlets along with tarpon and big jacks and there is plenty of live bait to go around. Start your morning filling the well with your cast net or Sabiki before heading out to check for blackfins or mahi after that, head towards the beach to search the surf for snook. The snook will be cruising through pretty much where the water meets the sand. Lively perch or pilchards are rarely ignored long. Remember the snook are spawning and out of season so take care handling them. Quickly get your picture and slip them back after being revived. Also, it’s good practice to use heavier than normal tackle so that the fight is quick and it puts less stress on the fish.

Scott Gordon with a giant almaco jack.

Fly fishermen should be able to get some great action along the beach also, an olive and white Eat Me Fly is usually all I need.

The freshwater bite for peacock bass and clown knife is going to remain strong early and in the evening, middle of the day will start to get a little hot, but you can still pick away at a few.

Capt. Pat with a dinner guest.

Good luck and get out and enjoy the outdoors!

Capt. Patrick Smith

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