The last couple of days I have been getting away from the Tarpon fishing and have been finding myself out back with high tides in the morning casting flies and crabs to the many Permit that have been stirring on the flats. They have been on fire and with the nice 15mph southeast winds we have been getting, has made the permit far less spooky then the normally are. Small live Blue crabs have been doing the trick. For flies, I have found that the merking style olive colors casted 3 feet infront of a feeding permit has been money. As the tides fall to their lowest peak and slack off, I have been getting myself set up for the first of the incoming and the first of the bonefish party. As the tide starts to come in the bonefish have been in large schools feeding and tailing like crazy. Look for these fish to push wakes up onto the flats and tailing as the water starts to flood in. Try to get in front of these fish and cast live shrimp on 8-10lb line or flies in shrimp patterns just in front of the school. The shrimp at the local bait shops have been on the small side due to the summer time weather, but if you tip a small bucktail with one of the small shrimp you will have plenty to cast with. As the fish work towards your bait, slowly start to work the bait and you will see the fish dart towards it. When this happens just stop and wait to feel a little tap, start to wind and come tight to the fish. No hook setting is needed. Just raise your rod tip and the fish will be on. Get out there and get on some of this great action. Also becarefull of the many boats that are out getting lobster over the next couple days.
Thanks and have a great day on the water!!!
Capt Shelby Bentley
