May 2015 is in the books; it was a pretty good month for inshore fishing. We caught a variety of fish, including Skipjacks and Spanish mackerel near Pensacola Pass and trout and reds on the flats. Because of all the rain we had in the month of April and in early May, the flats were a bit more challenging when looking for trout. I believe June will be a better month, as it usually is a drier month. I try to always have a positive outlook when I leave the dock. I truly believe a positive outlook when fishing produces more fish.
With that being said, the water is starting to really get clear this past week. This will help with sight fishing the reds on the flats and also help with the trout fishing. The more time without rain, then the quicker the salinity levels will get right and it will really fire off the inshore bite. As I've stated many times in my reports, I like using artificials on my trips, but if I need live bait I won't hesitate to add some pinfish or shrimp to the bait well. Some days the bite is just better with live bait. To my many former bass comrades from up North, my style of charters is right up your alley. Tossing suspending twitch-baits, soft plastics and top-waters for saltwater trout and reds is familiar bass fishing know-how, and it works here in our saltwater fishery.
Red Snapper season opened up on May 23rd, and that's helped the flats fishing since everyone and their brother has been offshore fishing for them and leaving the flats to yours truly. There are a few spots in the bay for snapper, but they have pretty much been picked over from some of the other guides and locals. I do run some nearshore trips for snapper, but it has to be calm conditions, as I won't go out in 2ft or more seas, because it gets too bouncy. Fishing is supposed to be fun, and since the weather can turn ugly fast out in the gulf, I prefer to stay inshore where my guests can stay dry.
I spent this weekend off the water working on tackle and organizing it for the summer season and working on the boat giving everything a once over to make sure I'm good to go for the next two months. I've booked up most of June, but I do have a few mornings left open in June and some afternoons. If you're heading my way and want to fish with a professional inshore guide and also fish on one of the finest inshore boats in the Pensacola Inshore guided fleet, then give me a ring, and we'll get you on the water.
Tight lines.
Capt John
