Summer means hot and humid days and June is no exception. Expect good fishing this month but good fishing has a price… heat. Everything will be eating this month so plan your trips now and take advantage good summertime fishing. Keep in mind these hot days can really dehydrate your body, often to the danger point before you realize what is happening. Most heat-related illnesses are preventable by keeping the body cool and avoiding dehydration. Here are the symptoms: unconsciousness, seizures, difficulty breathing, confusion, vomiting and diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, and hot, dry flushed skin without sweating. If you or someone exhibits, any of these symptoms take action immediately
Remember to drink plenty of fluids like water and sports drinks to re-hydrate the body. However, considering fluids containing alcohol impair your decision-making process it also imposes safety issues to yourself and others. If you drink… do it "Responsibly". Operating your watercraft and drinking alcohol equates to trouble. Like driving under the influence, BUI or Boating under the influence carries stiff fines, confinement or both.
Snook (Season closed on the Gulf side May, June, July, August)
Snook fishing in the summer is almost a given. Practically every angler is looking to catch them and given the amount of fishing pressure especially during weekends it is a wonder they bite at all. Practically any mangrove shoreline holds snook provided there is bait and structure. Terrific ambush feeders Snook love lying in wait along shady mangrove root systems. Rocky shores and adjacent sand bars are also good places to investigate when looking for snook. Early morning flats produce well using topwater lures and live greenbacks always produce. Areas to begin your search include Weedon Island, Safety Harbor, Double Branch, Picnic Island, Simmons Park, Cockroach Bay, Bishops Harbor, Ft. Desoto, Tarpon Key, Boca Ciega Bay, Indian Key, Joe Island, Miguel Bay, Terra Ceia Bay, and Inter-coastal waters.
Redfish June produces some good redfish days around the flats of Tampa Bay. The Kitchen, Simmons Park and Joe Island offer great starting points. Cockroach Bay, Simmons Park, Bishops Harbor, Ft. Desoto, Miguel Bay, Terra Ceia Bay, and Pinellas Point Flats also produce good catches. Heavy pushes and mullet schools are key factors in finding moving or feeding redfish. Finding redfish means covering lots of water and once located they do not venture too far if there is food present. Bear in mind as long as there is food there is fish. Live greenbacks and dollar-size pinfish work and are good choices. Do not forget the old standby… live shrimp.
Spotted Sea Trout
Trout fishing continues remaining strong through the summer. Search out deep grass flats looking for grass beds with plenty of broken bottom or potholes. Tampa Bay offers good fishing check areas like the Pinellas Flats, Veterans Flats, Joes Island, Bishops Harbor, Piney Point, Culbreath and Cockroach using live shrimp and greenbacks free lining or under popping corks. The many broken-bottom flats with potholes produce large fish and an occasional flounder.
Cobia Markers and sandy flats are good places for Cobia. They frequent markers especially those holding bait and cruise the flats usually following a large Stingray. When fishing markers, keeping a chum bag over the side should bring them running not to mention large Spanish Mackerel filling the bay this month. Large Cobia can be dangerous when landed green "always control the fish" once boated.
Tarpon Tarpon fishing really comes alive in June. They are everywhere and they are hungry, from the beach to the bay, these fish offer the catch of a lifetime. Large Greenbacks, Threadfins, and crabs, found abundantly in the bay, are excellent choices for bait. Tarpon fishing around the Tampa area is good through the summer from the beaches all the way to the causeway. If you are into night fishing almost any bridge holds fish along the light-line however, landing one presents another problem
Other Sheephead, Mackerel, Kingfish, Amber Jacks, Permit, Grouper, and Snapper, offer diversity during the summer continues to do well. Fishing around structure or fish attractors are good starting places. Keep a sharp eye on your bottom machine as you travel around. Good bottom and structure will pop up when you least expect it.
Capt. Woody Gore has fished Florida for over 50 years and offers guided fishing charters in Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Clearwater, and Tarpon Springs.
If you are interested in booking a trip, please visit his website: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM or call 813-477-3814
