The tropically warm days of June can be a time for offshore abundance in the near coastal fishing zones East of Stuart, as snapper, grouper, mahi (dolphin), and king mackerel will be some of the prized, saltwater species that will follow temperature contours in the water column to our local reefs. As these fish arrive, the expansive naturally, occurring and artificial reef system within a 10 mile radius (north to east to south) of the St. Lucie Inlet, will tend to attract these pelagics and motivate them to inhabit this reef area for a brief summer season. Anglers will be able to capitalize on the influx of these summer fish visitors as favorable offshore weather windows become “user friendly” for more days in a row, allowing fishermen to better schedule their offshore adventures.
While the seas may be calm during June, mother nature will throw other curve balls at angler`s strategies that can come in the form of high velocity, horizontal currents and erratic water temperature fluctuations, from the surf line out to several hundred feet of water. The warm, summer days of June can ironically lead to influxes or shots of cold water (comparatively speaking) that fall below the usual normal range that most fish prefer. Once water temperatures fall to 68 degrees, most species of fish can become inactive, refuse to feed, and begin to search out warmer pockets of water. And at water temperatures below 68 degrees, fish (especially bottom fish) can become “shocky” and even die off-as the water remains comprehensively “cold” over a wide area, for an extended period of time.
Coldwater upwellings frequently occur at this time and through the summer period, as colder deep water is pushed in towards the beach, replacing the near coastal warm water. Fisherman must make adjustments in their strategies as they are presented with this condition by locating warmer pockets of water within their fishing perimeter if possible. Negative conditions at one spot, or particular depth, do not necessarily mean that these conditions are pervasive over a wide area. With this in mind, captains can dial in information from other fishing boats and recent catches to help nail down a fishing zone with the best potential. With this in mind, it`s very important for fisherman to do their homework and keep up on the latest trends and catches in the local area for the week that they might be fishing.
Grouper season will be in full swing during this month, with 20- to 30-pound class fish populating depths of 70- to 150-feet. Medium to large mutton snapper (10- to 20-pounds) will inhabit the southern reef line in 70- to 75-feet of water off of Stuart, south to points east of the Loran Tower. While water temperatures must be warm (70 F and above) to enjoy a good bite of big grouper and snapper at these depths, some bottom fish are not as temperature sensitive. Red grouper, vermilion snapper, and black sea bass will all bite in less than normal water temps.
Successful fishing is all about making adjustments to tackle and strategies dependent on the conditions of the day. Offshore anglers must be flexible, adaptable, and versatile when heading offshore during the golden days of June.
