BEST BETS FOR JUNE
Well, it's no secret to most of y'all,, with the couple of recent past very abnormal cool fronts that we've had it's kept the water temps down which has resulted in the fish staying around, active and happy. Plus, the migratory pelagics which include the Cobia, Blues, Macks, Kingfish and my favorite, the Tarpon are hanging around town for a little longer. The water temp has been in the high 70's, instead of a normal at this time of year mid 80's. So, June is going to be one of the best in awhile!
A popular fish species legend, and/or graph that I keep of the best fish biting, when, shows for the month of June, "GOOD", for Blues, Grouper and Trout.
Let the long runner boys burn the fuel and go extra deep.
We've been catching keeper size Grouper and Cobia in 25' of water. Trolling with Mann's stretch plugs in colors of Firetiger, Red & White and Mackerel will get some hookups and find the fish for you.
June water temps will render most luck anchoring up over structure though, and bottom fishing with live pinfish and frozen sardines. Everything, from Cobia to Grouper, Red or Strawberry Grouper, Flounder, Grunts and Sea Bass has been brought aboard lately.
As far as "EXCELLENT" on our legend, it shows June is awesome for Cobia, Redfish, Tarpon and Bluegill for your most target species.
Yes, that's right, Bluegill! As far as freshwater is concerned, fly fishing for Bluegill is something I'll never get tired of. It is simply awesome! These fish are so stupid for a topwater fly!
Utilize your sponge spiders and balsa poppers around structure and you can't miss. It's a blast! For conventional tackle, you can't beat a freelined Beetle-Spin or cricket under a bobber for non-stop action.
Cobia `will definitely still be cruising the flats in search of an easy meal. Cast your favorite jigs under a Cajun-Thunder cork, or a live frisky pinfish will surely hook you up.
Reds are schooling around the outer islands on the incoming tide and will not be too finicky on the offerings. For "bait and wait" folks, you can't beat a fresh, and I emphasize FRESH, not frozen chunk of cut mullet or cut ladyfish to get the ole "pullemus hardemus" to take hold!
For artificial, try the "Thunder-Spin saltwater Spinner-Bait. Or a weedless rigged Riptide "Flats Chub" in ""Glow" color to be most productive.
Now, I'll finish on a most serious note.
What can I say? Tarpon season is at its PEAK!
If you know what I'm talking about for our Nature Coast area I don't have to go further.
If you don't, then please give the local guides their due.
With the world famous, world record setting hallowed grounds of Homosassa waters, the local guides have been waiting all year to put their choice clients on the once in a lifetime opportunity. You'll know them. They're the ones on the polling platforms poling their ass off in 3' to 8' of water searching for daisy-chaining Tarpon! Trying to put their clients on a once in a lifetime shot.
This is the epitome and experience of a lifetime. A, maybe one time shot in their career to meet their goal. So, please be courteous. And use the utmost etiquette. This is one of the few places in the world at this time that dreams are made of.
5 world record dreams have been made right here!
Simply put, us angler guides are serious for our customers, and if you're not a part, no problem. Just move somewhere else. And leave the "quiet sport" for the silver kings to us!
Be safe and good fishing.>Capt. Rick