The flats have been on fire for the past month and I expect that to continue throughout the month of June. It’s mainly speckled trout that are coming off of shallow grass but there are plenty of redfish to be caught as well. The trout bite has been better earlier in the morning on top water plugs and soft plastic jigs.
Redfish are widespread throughout the bays and along the beaches. As is usually the case, the slot-sized fish are running in schools in the shallows. You may also find them hunkered down around docks, up in the creeks and in marshy backwaters. And, if you like big fish, you’re in luck because there are big bull reds along the beach, in the St. Andrews Pass and around several of the bridges. Target them with big pinfish, live blue crabs or an assortment of artificial offerings.
Mangrove snappers are still chewing like crazy around shallow water structures. I’ve been catching menhaden in the bayous and using them to chum the mangroves up and away from the structure in order to target them with light tackle. These fish are so much fun to catch once they get turned on and this year seems to have a much better class of fish. And did I mention that they make great tacos?
Lastly, but definitely not least, is the tarpon. If you want to catch a tarpon here, this is the month to do so but it won’t be easy because silver kings are very worthy adversaries – one of the most sought after and highly-coveted fish in the gulf. They’ll be migrating through our waters for the next few weeks so, if you see boats along the beaches that are set up to catch them, give those guys some room. It’s already hard enough to catch tarpon in perfect conditions without boats constantly running over their heads.
If you have questions about what's biting, how to catch them or would like to book a trip of your own, then give me a call or shoot me an email. Tight lines!
