As expected the winds usually subside this time of year and we’ll return to our normal fishing. With the many fronts blowing in from the north and northwest it seemed like the fishing gods decided we should do something other than fish. As the waters warm, bait shows up on the flats, winds lighten and if recent trips are any indication, then its good fishing ahead.

 Snook season officially closes this month as it does every year. However, due to disastrous kills earlier this year it will be closed until September. However those surviving are beginning to show up in the usual places. Earlier kills will definitely have some effect, but we’re beginning to catch a few on artificial’s around the mangroves and docks. If not hurt too much they should really turn on this month. Good tidal grass flats, passes or cuts from upper Tampa Bay all the way to Sarasota should prove productive. Anglers using and chumming with greenbacks usually produce plenty of action, but use caution when tossing out baits, too many and you’ll fill them up.

 Spotted Sea Trout should continue improving especially as the bait moves onto the grass flats. Look for broken bottom grass flats with sandy potholes or hard rocky bottoms. These areas produce some good size fish. You can expect plenty of action on artificial lures. Jig the bottom using soft plastics or an artificial shrimp under a popping cork. If live bait is you thing, small greenbacks or shrimp free-lined or under a popping cork always produces fish.  

 Redfish should pick up this month using live bait or artificial lures. Although it seems they’ve had lock-jaw; recently we’ve been getting some to eat using live or dead baits; but you’ve got to be patient. Check you favorite oyster bars, cuts and broken bottom grass flats on the last of an outgoing tide and the first of an incoming. Do not forget, redfish often feed with large schools of mullet as they stir up the bottom. 

Cobia should start cursing the sandy flats and markers and will eat just about anything tossed at them. Remember markers, grass flats, or any structure holding bait is a good starting point. Also, large rays, manatees and sea turtles often support cruising cobia.  

 Spanish Mackerel/Bluefish: As the massive schools of threadfin herring invade Tampa Bay the Spanish mackerel and bluefish bite goes crazy. It’s not unusual to limit out in a couple of hours and have a blast doing it. Good catches already being reported throughout the bay especially on moving water. Pull any shiny spoon or lure through the water on wire leader and hold on. They also like free-lined live threadfins and greenbacks. I’ve been using 60 pound Seaguar fluorocarbon leader, shiny long shank 2/0 hooks and # 2 or 3 split shots with good success. A word of caution; mackerel have razor sharp teeth and plenty of them, so be very cautious when handling as they can inflict a nasty and infectious bite.

 Kingfish action should be good on any nearshore hard bottom holding bait. They often move into Egmont channel and lower Tampa Bay as the water temperatures reach the 70’s. Rig up and experience some awesome action on the speedy action fish.

 Tarpon are showing around the Skyway and along the beaches. They also begin moving inside around deeper flats and hard bottom or artificial reefs holding baitfish. Expect plenty of activity throughout the summer using free-lined threadfins, pass crabs and greenbacks.

 “Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing” Captain Woody Gore is the areas top outdoor fishing guide. Guiding and fishing the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, and Sarasota areas for over fifty years; he offers world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories.

 Single or Multi-boat Group Charters are all the same. With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, Woody can arrange and coordinate any outing or tournament. Just tell him what you need and it’s done.  Visit his website at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM, send an email to wgore@ix.netcom.com or give him a call at 813-477-3814.