Bradenton – Sarasota Area Inshore Fishing – Captain Jim Savaglio, Inshore Slam Charters.
Fishing this past month has really been fantastic. And I am not saying that because it's a line that all guides like to give, but it really was a good month. The winds we saw in May have died down and it has actually started to feel like summer. This past month we only had one or two days that the heat was really sweltering, but then again I love summertime and the heat and humid salt air, or I would find a job that had air conditioning. This coming month the temperatures will continue to climb and as some people think about staying inside, I consider getting in the water and "wade" fishing to try to beat the heat.
All inshore species that we are normally fishing this time of year are in the bay if you choose to go look for them. First the bait has been available at the bridge and on the flats', although the recent hatch makes my chum slick look like it's an aquarium full of guppies.
Once you have loaded up with the bait, you can head to the flats and drift the grass patches in the mornings to find the trout. If you're lucky enough to have a high tide sometime throughout the day, the mangroves have started to hold the redfish, which have been somewhat elusive compared to previous years. If you like to fish with shrimp, and don't throw a cast net, the selects have been the ticket for bigger fish. Smaller shrimp will work as well, but the pinfish will usually get them before the redfish do, and you can't cast them as far. Of course always casting as close as possible to the mangroves and having the tide or wind pushing the baits further in, are a few of the keys to success when fishing the bushes. Cut whitebaits have been working as well, but are harder to cast nearer to the tree line which often is the difference between catching the fish and not.
We have had some nice snook caught this past month and most of them have been on the strongest of incoming tides and strongest of outgoing tides. Whitebait is key and having plenty of extra to chum with makes the fishing fun, especially when they get to feeding. Some advice I can add, is always pay attention to the boils that take place within close proximity to your cork when bobber fishing. I see it all the time, an angler can often miss a fish who is feeding on a pilchard, because the bobber does not move. Just ask Taylor Whitcomb, who landed a nice 35" fish after cranking on his reel when he saw a snook boil within 6 feet of his bait. And I can't advocate more the use of circle hooks. Four years ago, I hated them, plain and simple, and thought what a gimmick, but once you convert and learn the secret to success in fishing a circle hook, you will never go back. By the way, I will give the secret to anyone who charters with me, so if you want know, I have a few days open in July.
Tarpon is often the big buzz this time of year and this year is no different. We have had quite a few catches this past month and will continue to fish for them in July. Fishing at the bridge is great and Egmont Key is not far behind. Although this year I have seen more fish at the bridge so far, but expect July will be a better month to fish for tarpon on the beach and in the pass. More migrating fish will be available and the ones that are local will head out to spawn and continue their migration.
If you haven't had the chance to check out the new Gander Mountain in Ocala last month, make sure to get in and check out the fishing department. Ask for Marty or anyone of his staff to give you a hand in selecting a new fishing rod, reel or accessories. The store is full of fishing supplies, both fresh and saltwater and will surely empty your pockets quicker than a gas pump these days.
As always if you want to get out there and fish, give us a call, I can be reached at (941) 238-7597, till then, tight lines and keep your rod tip up…..
Captain Jim Savaglio www.inshoreslam.com
