[dropcap]I[/dropcap]f you like to catch snook, this is the time of year for you. June is the start of migration and breeding of snook off of beaches and in inlets. Snook will be seen swimming right where you step in the water’s edge along the beach. There will be small ones, along with some big females over 40 inches. During this time, I use single j-hooks on my plugs to have quick release to let them go without harm. Best time for a hook-up is right at sunrise and an hour before sunset. Plugs like Yozuri Crystal Minnow in silver and black work great. Any plug that looks like a mullet will catch these great sportfish. Best inlets in our area are the Stuart and Fort Pierce inlets. Best beaches are Bathtub Beach, Walton Rocks, Tiger Shores, North Stuart Beach and North Hobe Sound Beach. The Jensen causeway is also a very good place to go at night, but I would go there late at night when there are less people so that you have a better chance–it can get crowded. Local piers and catwalks are great at night. Under the lights when the tide is moving is where you should target these great fish.
Tarpon will be rolling along the beaches and inlets. Best time and places to try are the inlets at night. Cast net some mullet, free line them in the current, and wait for that big thump, count to five, set the hook and hold on. Best setup is a 6000 series reel loaded with 50-pound braid, a stiff rod—eight foot is best—and 60- to 80-pound leader to get these big fish in. For a lure, try a Yo Zuri Mag Minnow in silver and blue, Rapala X-Rap in black and silver, or Long A Bomber in silver and black. Best spots will be the Jupiter Inlet, St. Lucie Inlet, and Fort Pierce Inlet when the water is moving.
Permit will be at Walton Rocks Beach and this will be the best place to target them on fly or spinning gear. You will see them tailing on the reefs and along the beach up close. Early morning is best and snook and tarpon will be there as well.
Until next time, tight lines!