Summer is here and with it there should be great fishing with large snook and redfish being the targets of choice.  Now is also the time to start walking the beaches for snook, jacks, ladyfish, Spanish mackerel and possibly a tarpon.  This is also the beginning of afternoon storms, so go out early and get back to the docks before the storms start.  Remember graphite makes a great lighting rod so be safe so you can fish another day.

When planning your outing in June consider the wind direction.  Wind out of the west can significantly increase high tide levels, while wind from the east can reduce the tide change.  Factoring that potential impact on tide levels into your destination choice should improve your results.

Water clarity is usually very good in June which means great sight fishing opportunities.  This also makes the fish difficult to catch.  One solution is to fish during periods of low light, early in the morning or late in the evening.  This also avoids the heat of the day.  Just don’t forget the bug spray.

SNOOK

The closed season for snook on the gulf and in ENP continues through August.  So minimize the handling of any snook caught and return them to the water as quickly as possible.  That said, the larger snook should be starting to spawn and will be found in the passes and deeper runs.  Snook will also be found in the backwaters and along beaches and islands whenever schools of bait are present.  As I mentioned last month an all white ‘DT’ is a good choice for the beach with smaller sizes being preferred by the snook.  In the backcountry try a bunny fly or for real excitement try a topwater fly like a gurgler or deer hair bug.

REDFISH

Look for redfish on the current side of oyster bars on the outgoing tide and likewise on the incoming tide.  In June large redfish may also be found in the passes.  Shrimp and crab patterns are the most commonly used flies for redfish, but at times small baitfish patterns will also work.

SPANISH MACKEREL

Watch along the beaches for Spanish mackerel attacking baitfish.  While not critical, try to match the hatch with a baitfish pattern of similar size to the bait in the water.

TROUT

Trout can still be found over grass beds on the higher part of the tide.  Shrimp and baitfish patterns work well for trout.  Chartreuse and white clousers also work well.

TARPON

Tarpon fishing can vary from fantastic to non-existent in June.  Keep an eye out for them whenever you are on the water and keep a few “toads” handy in case a tarpon presents itself.

Sharks

Sharks will still be around for those who are interested.

Tight Lines, Ralph Pike