May 2007
Windy conditions prevailed this month on the west coast of Florida, with calm days able to be counted on one hand. With the winds generally out of the NW, N and NE the bay waters have been quite choppy, making short ride to the Skyway for bait a little slower going. Bait has been good despite the windy conditions, as long as you are out before the sun comes up. The flats have been holding bait, especially around the Key Royal flats and the Bulkhead, if you prefer to throw your nets more than a few times.
On to the fishing, Redfish have been our mainstay this past month and have been in abundance around the deep water edges of mangrove lined shores. Live shrimp have been the top producer with many reds in the 16-22 inch range and fewer in the 26-30 inch range. Schools of Reds, when located have been responsive to pilchards and gold spoons. Most of my charters have been boating double digit numbers of Redfish, when the water is high.
Trout fishing has produced on the live baits including shrimp and pilchards and fun for those wanting to use artificial, many swim baits and jigs have kept the fish interested. Finding the trout in both sparsely grass covered areas as well as heavy grass and bait covered bay bottoms.
Snook have been more selective this month especially the larger ones. A few of my charters have had the opportunity to catch some over slot size fish, however the fish have laid motionless and lip locked for many. Live pilchards have been producing on the outgoing tide and patience and silence has been the key to catching the bigger fish. Scouting out bigger fish and going in with an assortment of baits and giving the fish a good amount of time to get comfortable to our presence. Sometimes we have waited as long as 30 to 60 minute for the fish to start eating. Look for the fish laying on the bottom and use baits including live and cut, pilchard or threadfin, fished on the bottom and even cut up mackerel or finger mullet.
Tarpon are showing up in the bay area, with a few seen at the skyway bridge. It won't be long before they will be in abundance along the beaches and in the backwaters of the bay.
If you are looking for a charter, give us a call, while we still have days open....