The Tarpon bite has been the best I've seen in years.
From Clearwater to Tampa Bay, this area is often overlooked, and is as productive as Boca Grande, without the boat traffic.
My clients have been averaging 2 to 3 fish, on half day trips, with lots of bites and fish that have either jumped off or spit the hook.
Long time customer Mike Devita landed the first 200 lb. Tarpon in the 13 years I have been guiding him.
Hopefully, I can give new clients that experience.
Trout are in good numbers. Sizes have been averaging 18 to 20 inches on deeper grass flats from 3 to 5 feet that have potholes. Live scaled sardines or swimming style shad tails on a quarter ounce jighead will produce good results.
Snook are just starting to move into their summer areas. We have been seeing more and more of these fish on the beach every day. If we could get some rain, the Snook will start moving to the freshwater run offs. This creates the perfect water salinity, known as sweetwater.
Redfishing has been hit or miss. The new and full moons seemed to have produced good numbers of these bruisers.
The tides are much more extreme on the new and full moons. The best time to fish is on low water with the tide coming in, or on highwater going out.
Look for the Mullet schools around spoil islands or flats that have plenty of potholes. The best bait has been cut threadfin, cut pinfish and cut ladyfish. Because of the warming water, the fish prefer not to chase live bait.
For your assurrance, there is no oil on the West Coast Beaches. They are clean and pristine, for your enjoyment.
Come fish the fishing capital of the world, known as Florida.
Thanks,
Capt. Craig
