With the rainy season upon us, afternoon temperatures reaching into the 90's and thunderstorms with there typical afternoon appearance getting an early start is imperative. Snook, redfish and trout are still excellent. Snook catches regularly exceed the 40" mark. In the hot spots from Lemon Bay to Manasota Beach, wading and fishing troughs on an incoming tide had produced some outstanding catches. Live shrimp, white bait and cut bait have all enticed activity. Last week during a kayak charter, I found both Snook and Redfish pushed back into the mangroves, so far back I was able to paddle up, and separate the branches to find them buried back in the shade. Skipping bait under the mangroves was the only way to ignite a strike. Missing a cast by only a few feet made a huge difference in your hook up ratio. This is not a method used by the light hearted, but it will produce great results. Look for the breaks, cuts and holes to flip and skip your bait back under the mangroves. You will need to be ready to pull them out from under the trees or find yourself in a terrible tangled mess. Trout have been slamming bait pods in the ICW and adjoining bays. Watch for bait popping and jumping chances are you will find trout. Both White bait and live shrimp are working depending on there preference of the day. Wishing you tight lines and as always remember to "Take A Kid Fishing"
