This summer season is underway, and it has been pretty typical of past years. We have had some weeks of our “reverse” weather pattern, which indicates a southwest wind flow and morning coastal showers. Other weeks have been fairly typical, and both patterns have produced tarpon with regularity, and snook in the their usual spots. The tarpon population seems to be as good as ever this summer. While we have spent most days targeting those 2 species, gag grouper has opened early this year and we are catching some nice ones. Summer isn’t usually our best time for gags, but our population seems very strong. The grouper so far have been caught mostly on dead bait and trolled plugs, fish ranging from 24 to 30 inches.
What to Expect for the Rest of Summer
As we move into the coming weeks, the tarpon will perform their actual spawn, and the fishery will undergo it’s change. For most anglers, the season is basically over. For us, it is just beginning in many ways. We probably catch as many or more in the late summer than we do in the late spring. Also, snook will continue their spawn and the big fish will feed on a variety of baits. They will stay in their place until September. Redfish will begin to school up as we get into July, with August and September being peak times. They will be found on the shallowest of flats on our coast.
Capt. Kyle
