May has been a really hot month, not only for fishing, but also the temperatures. We have had very little rain lately and the temps have been in the upper 80s to low 90s and the water temps are in the low to mid 80s as well. Not having a lot of rain has allowed for the water to stay much clearer for this time of year. Clear and high salinity has kept a lot of the redfish and snook to remain further up in the creeks. On the few days after some late day rains the fishing has been really good. The drop in salinity from the little bit of rain we have had, is pushing these fish out onto the flats and edges of the mangroves.
White bait and pinfish have still been the best bait for this time of year and will remain so for quite some time. Tarpon are in full force for their annual migration and some residential fish are making their appearances. Pretty soon they will fully invade the bay. Catching white bait has been more consistent the past two weeks and should just get stronger as we continue throughout the year.
The trout bite has been very good and we have caught quite a few bigger trout in the 22 to 24 inch range. Most trout have been 15 to 19 inches. Best thing about trout is that if you find one you find a bunch for the most part. There are also a lot of by catch when fishing for trout as well. Jacks, mackerel, trout, ladyfish and trout are all hanging out in the deeper cooler water with lots of water flow and hard bottom. We have also landed quite a few flounder the past couple of trips. Something that I have not seen in a few years. Hopefully, this is a sign of good things to come to Tampa Bay.
Sharks have also been around and fun for the kids. Bonnethead sharks have been just about everywhere I go as well as a few bull sharks. We did have one 6-foot bull shark swim up to the boat the other day as I was about to land a bonnethead. Definitely a “holy crap” moment.
Redfish have been a bit tricky from time to time. One day you catch some and the next you can’t seem to get them to bite. Days after the rains have been the best days I have had for redfish. Getting a bait deep under the mangroves have been the only way we have landed reds. Soon we will have consistent afternoon rains and the fishing should be steady no matter where you go.
Snook have been going off!!
May has been a really great month so far for snook and it should only get better as we move into June and the rainy season and higher water levels. My last trip we landed over 30 snook with about for or 5 in the 25 to 30-inch range. The biggest so far has been a 41-inch giant I mentioned in my last report. I have seen some really big snook around, more so than the past few years, but they don’t get big from being dumb.
Fishing is fun and this time of year it’s almost a guarantee. Book your trip today with Bag’Em Fishing Charters and Capt. Bucky Goldman. 407-977-7650