Here in the Ten Thousand Islands, the weather in Late June into July is predictable, as are the fishing patterns. Daily storms are now arriving late in the morning to early afternoon and cool things off a little. The bite is early in the day, and again late in the afternoon/early evening. Expect the bite to drop off to nothing during mid day heat and slack tides.
Day time air temperatures are now hovering around 92 degrees each day, bringing the water temperatures up to 87 degrees.
Anglers can get into some nice Snook on the outside islands most every trip. Try the shores of Panther Key and surrounding islands. Top water plugs and suspended soft plastic artificials will produce some nice morning action before the wind starts to blow. Of course nothing beats a livewell full of Pilchards and Thread Herring. You can live chum with a handful of these guys, then follow up with a nice one on your hook. Recently, while fishing for Tarpon with a 12" live Ladyfish on a 8/0 circle hook, we hooked up with a huge Snook in the 25-30 lb range! The big Snook are here and they are feeding!
The Trout bite will remain steady. They are generally smaller than the winter Trout, but around in good numbers. They will take anything from a live shrimp, to a buck tail jig, to a topwater plug. Fish early on the incoming tide for your best results. You can count on the Redfish to take a Gulp shrimp on the last half of the incoming tide around Tiger and Picnic Key. Live shrimp under a popping cork works great for Reds too!
Triple Tail are hanging around markers and structure, and will happily take a live shrimp on a circle hook. Permit and Cobia are hanging around offshore structure. Bring some small silver dollar sized crabs with you for the Permit. Cast net some nice 6" mullet to present to the Cobia.
Mangrove Snapper are larger in size than most of the year and are hungry for a live shrimp around the Mangrove roots. Shark are all over the place and love Ladyfish. Tarpon remain solid early in the morning and in the evening and are looking for live Ladyfish and Mullet. Be sure to use a heavy wire leader!
Captain Pete Rapps
Captain Rapps' Charters & Guides
239-571-1756
www.CaptainRapps.com
Captain Rapps' Charters & Guides offers expert guided, light tackle, near shore, and backwater fishing trips in the 10,000 Islands of the Everglades National Park, and Tarpon-only charters in the Florida Keys. Capt. Rapps' top notch fleet accommodates men, women, & children of all ages, experienced or not, and those with special needs. Between their vast knowledge & experience of the area, and easy going demeanors, you are guaranteed to have a great day. Book your charter 24/7 using the online booking calendar, and see Capt. Rapps' first class web site for Booking info, Videos, Recipes, Seasonings, and more at http://www.CaptainRapps.com