June 2015: Warm Weather Fishing

Warm weather makes for warm water and the Speckled Trout react positively to the temperature change.  The trout bite was good in the deeper grass beds.  Many of my trips produced limits of Speckled Trout in the 17" to 20" range.  Mirror Lure "Little john" or a red 1/8 oz jig head was my bait of choice.  Bourbon or Watermelon red flake seemed to be the best colors.  The smaller patches of grass seemed to hold more fish, so I targeted those areas first.

The shallow water rocks offered plenty of action; snapper, grunts, sea bass, gag grouper, and flounder joined in on the action.  Live shrimp on a jig head was the key.  Try a free-lined shrimp with no weight and the Spanish mackerel and Shark will put a bend in your rod and a scream in your drag every time !  There is great fun to be had.

Back inshore, the Red fish bite is still in full swing.  Rocky points and flats, mangrove edges and holes are all holding some nice fish.  Live shrimp and fresh cut bait on the bottom or under a float will produce the strikes.  Remember, in the warm water the Reds will stress after you catch them, so be sure to take the time to revive them before releasing them back into the Gulf.

The Tarpon are everywhere on the flats and edges of the channels.  A Tarpon will go for just about anything; crabs, pin fish, cut bait, flies, and plugs.  I always keep a DOA bait buster on a heavy spinning outfit ready to go when I see them pass by.

Scallop season opens at the end of this month, so be prepared for madness both at the boat ramps and on the water.  Be patient, and keep an extra eye out for increased boat traffic and people in the water.

Many thanks as always to my great guests.  Looking forward to next month and more great fishing in Crystal River and Homosassa.       Capt Mark