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WHAT WE CATCH & WHERE

Tarpon -

Tarpon generally begin to migrate into the area in April or May.  Their numbers increase dramatically throughout the summer, with the best fishing from mid-June through the end of August.  We generally catch tarpon by staking out their migration path & presenting live bait or artificials.  Although the water is not as clear as other parts of Florida, sight casting with flies can be very productive.  Most of the tarpon caught in this area range in weight from 65 to 125 pounds.

Speckled Trout -  

Specks are around all year.  The best fishing is on the grass flats & beaches from April thru October.  As the water cools they begin moving toward the rivers.  Late summer & early fall can result in large numbers of smaller fish.  Mid-winter & very early spring until the water begins to warm up can be tough.  February is catch & release only.  Trout hit a wide variety of artificial baits, including plastic grubs, topwater plugs, twitchbaits & flies.  They also readily hit live shrimp, pinfish & pilchards.  Most trout caught will weigh 1 to 3 pounds, with 5 pound trout not uncommon.

Redfish -   

Redfish movement patterns are somewhat similar to trout, except the best fishing is usually in October & November.  They are caught on the same live baits & lures, as well as gold spoons.  They are caught on the beaches & in shallow water, often near structure such as docks & oyster bars.  Their tenacity & brute strength make them one the areas prime gamefish.  Inshore redfish average 2 to 10 pounds, but  20 to 30 pounders are frequently caught.

Spanish Mackerel -   

Spanish mackerel are one of the first migratory species of gamefish to show up in our area when the water begins to warm in March.  They remain in our area throughout the summer & into the fall.  Most fish average 2 to 3 pounds, but 5 & 6 pound fish are not uncommon.  They are strong fighters with lightening speed & excellent table fare.  They are often caught by trolling spoons, but casting jigs & fishing live bait is more exciting & usually more effective.

Pompano -     

A first cousin of south Florida's permit, Florida pompano are abundant in our area only twice during the year - once as they migrate through in the early spring & again in the fall.  They have every attribute a true gamefish should have.  They readily take live & artificial baits.  They are strong, fast & are excellent table fare.  The best action usually begins in late March & runs through April.  Once the Spanish mackerel first begin to show up, the pompano can't be far behind.  Most are caught on the island beaches on jigs tipped with fresh shrimp or sand fleas.

King Mackerel -   

Kings are probably the first migratory gamefish to show up in our area.  Most of the early arrivals (early March) are large, solitary fish.  During April & May their numbers are up & there are still plenty of 20 & 30 pound fish just a few miles offshore. They are around all summer, but most of the fish caught are small.  October & November are frequently the best months when the return migration is in full swing & many 'smokers' are landed.  Kings are usually caught by trolling dusters, spoons & plugs or by fishing live bait.

Other Species -