May is here, the water temperatures have finally warmed up to the upper 70's and low 80's, and summer fishing has begun! It already seems like forever since those cool mornings and windy afternoons last month. Since the heat is on for the summer, I will be wearing my Columbia PFG Hat, shirt, and pants to avoid burning and to help keep cool in the heat of the day!
The flats are alive with Speckled Trout this month. Drift grassy areas in the 3'-5' depth range. Try all types of soft plastic jigs like D.O.A. TerrorEyz and C.A.L. jigs. Trout will also happily hit live baits like shrimp and Pilchards. Most of what you catch will be in the slot. When you find one, mark the spot and keep drifting past it, or just stake off and work the school.
Tarpon will show in good numbers this month on the outside flats and in the deep pockets of the river mouths. I like to use live ladyfish, big Thread Herring, Crabs, and Pilchards for these mammoths. Try floating one of these live baits out on a balloon in areas you are seeing the Tarpon surface.
Snook are migrating again to the nearshore islands and we are cheering them on to make LOTS of babies this spawning season! If you are targeting Snook, please take extra care to not wear them out too much with light tackle, and to take an extra couple of minutes giving them a full revival when releasing them.
Redfish are here in good numbers and will gladly accept live bait like Pilchards, Thread Herring, Shrimp, or Fiddler Crabs. Also be sure to try a GULP shrimp on a Cotee 3/8 oz weighted jig head. Look for Reds around oyster bars, especially the last part of the incoming tide.
If you get out to the shallow wrecks, look for larger schools of Permit. They will happily feed on small live crabs, artificial crabs, and jigs. Cobia are available on the same wrecks. Bring a few live mullet out to these guys or an artificial plastic eel for a little drag screemin' fun!
I will also be in Big Pine Key doing Tarpon charters this month. If you have always wanted to hook into one of these fantastic fish with me, right now is the peak time to do it!
Capt Pete Rapps
239-517-1756
CaptainRapps@gmail.com
Hailing out of Chokoloskee Island Park Marina, Chokoloskee, FL
Capt Rapps has been fishing the Chokoloskee area for just over 20 years. He offers expert guided, light tackle, near shore, and backwater fishing trips in the Everglades National Park.
If you are looking for a fun, easy going, and enjoyable day fishing and exploring in the Everglades National Park, look no further. Capt Rapps accommodates men, women, & children of all ages, experienced or not, and those with special needs. Between his vast knowledge & experience of the area, and easy going demeanor, you are guaranteed to have a great day. Book your charter 24/7 with his online booking calendar, and see his first class web site for Booking info, Videos, Recipes, Seasonings, and more at www.CaptainRapps.com
