Fishing is Hot, Summer is Here!!!

Snook are stacking up on the north Pinellas beaches for Clearwater Fishing Charters. The water temp is consistently in the low 80’s and they are eating with regularity. There are several swashes from Clearwater to Tarpon Springs that are holding numbers of the smaller males, but the larger females are occupying structure like jetties or rockpiles. Greenbacks are still plentiful when chummed up on the flats although grunts and pinfish are getting attacked more often by the bigger fish. I like to hook those bigger baits near the tail, causing them to swim down and away from the boat. They cover more area and are likely to swim right into the strike zone. The trout bite has been spectacular lately. Many of the same regions that are productive for snook will hold the larger female trout. However, on a recent trip with kids for a local summer fish camp, we caught several trout by slowly drifting the grass flats in 3 to 6 feet of water, especially near to the passes. Using small sardines for bait we also caught jacks, ladyfish and small sharks. Tarpon are showing very good in the passes and along the beach. I’ve had success drifting larger baits like threadfins or pinfish under a float with about 6 feet of leader and a 4/0 circle hook. Once I locate a pod or a lane that they are traveling I will try to lead them a few yards.