|
| |
|
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 - |
| Many other species of gamefish & non-gamefish
are frequently caught in the inshore & nearshore waters of the "Forgotten
Coast". To name a few: flounder, cobia, tripletail, Jack crevalle,
ladyfish, bluefish, blue runners, small sharks, rays & catfish, among
others. |
|
