Tight Line Report ~ News ~ Summer 2019

Well Summer is here and WOW it's hot out there. Water temperatures are in the mid 80's and the thunderstorms are here too. June has been exceptional for Snook and Mangrove Snapper. Big Redfish, Mackerel, and Cobia are still biting. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission closed Snook, Redfish, and Spotted Sea Trout. Redfish and Trout are catch and release only until May 2020. Snook is scheduled to open in August 2020. Gag Grouper season opened June 1st and will remain open in our area until December 31st.

With the warm water temperatures it's wise to fish early or late. However, you still need to fish the tides. So, knowing where to go and when to go is still very important - even more important than in the spring and the fall. I like to fish in deeper water - channel ledges, drop offs, reefs, and etc. to target a variety of fish in the summer. Grouper, Mackerel, Cobia, Snapper, Flounder and Tarpon all love structure and deeper water this time of year.

** Book A Charter **
Contact Capt John Today

H e r e

BAIT

In the back country, I like to target deeper holes i.e. pot holes and mangrove lines with deeper edges where fish can find shade ... they like the a/c too! Another key this time of year is dead baits. A lot of these fish do not want to work to hard in the heat and prefer a cut pinfish or cut threadfin as opposed to a a lively bait they need to rundown. Try it. I have caught monster Snook, Grouper, and Redfish all on dead baits during the summer months.

www.tampabaysfishingcharter.com

PRO TIP !

With temperatures in excess of 90 degrees please make sure you drink a lot of water. It is easy to get dehydrated so keep drinking water all day. Also, keep an eye on the weather. This time of year a thunderstorm can pop up in any moment. Many of these storms produce strong winds and lightning. Waterspouts can also pop up and they can do a lot of damage and cause serious injury. So, be safe out there and enjoy another beautiful day in Tampa Bay.