Expect good things to happen this month as the water continues to warm in the gulf, bays and backcountry. And if spring’s any indication, the fishing for the rest of the year should be awesome. Everything is eating and we’re catching plenty of fish. The redfish, snook and trout bite should continue with the big mackerel filling in the gaps. You also might get the opportunity to hook into a nice cobia on the flats. Snapper should be strong throughout the bay… so check the artificial reels.

You can expect the snook bite to continue particularly as the water gets warmer. Fishing tidal grass flat’s, passes, or cuts from upper Tampa Bay all the way to Sarasota will prove productive. When entering an area don’t stop on top of the fish, a few hundred feet away is plenty and fish your way in closer if needed. If you’re a live baiter, remember snook and scaled sardines are a perfect match. MirrOLure Top Dog lures also prove very productive and offer plenty of topwater excitement.

Spotted Sea Trout or Speckled Trout fishing continues to improve especially as the bait begins showing up on the flats. Look for lush grass flats with deep and shallow areas and plenty of sandy potholes. Try the DOA artificial shrimp under a popping cork… it works great.

Redfish are here and should begin settling in for the summer. Check your favorite oyster bars, cuts and broken bottom grass flats. The last of an outgoing tide should raise those black dotted flags as the fish begin to move out of the mangroves onto the shallow flats. Wading is often the best answer to a stealthy approach in shallow water but either way try to keep a low profile as you approach schooling reds. If the school gets spooked, just wait they usually will not move far and circle around especially if they’re feeding. Greenbacks and silver dollar size pinfish work well as live bait. Here’s a tip: If you’re using live bait and have some dead ones, cut them up and throw them around the boat. If Redfish are in the area the scent could bring them to within casting distance. Remember, a redfish can hear you change your mind… so being quite is the number one key to success.

Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing (813) 477-3817