AS SEEN IN THE MAY/JUNE 2008 ISSUE

May/June East Central Fishing Forecast

Warmth is the answer, and because water temperatures are on the rise, game fishes metabolisms are also increasing. This is why May and June are two of my favorite months to fish. Just about every target you desire is available, and one thing you can count on is that they will be hungry!

For inshore anglers, trout, redfish, snook, tarpon, bluefish, snapper, jack crevalle and ladyfish are just some of the species that will be fairly abundant if not down right plentiful! As water temperatures rise past the 80-degree mark during late spring, look for these species to be foraging on and around shallow grassy areas associated with underwater points, islands, humps and expansive flats. The more productive areas will have bait and current in copious amounts. The largest trout, redfish and snook can often be found foraging in the shallowest water, no more than two-feet deep. Mangrove shorelines and dock areas will also be holding fish, especially snook and snapper. Rivers and creeks along the Indian River Lagoon can also provide some exciting tarpon action this time of year. The Sebastian River and Turkey Creek are just two fine examples worth checking out. Tarpon can also be found lurking in the deeper cuts, channels and canals throughout the inshore waters of the IRL.

Water temperatures around the 80-degree mark fit the comfort zone for just about all fish that swim in our local waters, so the warmth factor will play a lesser role when determining the best time of the day to fish. Instead, I pay most attention to current, food availability and light conditions. Early mornings and late evenings are prime time because the light is dim and predators such as trout and snook have a huge sight advantage over their prey. Water movement, be it from the tide or wind, brings food to fish, so large lazy slobs won’t have to work hard for a tasty treat. Lastly, there has to be food present, be it shrimp, pigfish, mullet or crabs. Put all three of these factors together and you have the making of a record day!    

There is nothing like the sight, sound and feel of a large fish crashing a top-water plug, and the late spring marks the beginning of prime chugging and popping season. So, if you run into me on the water this time of year, odds are I will be throwing lures like the Yo-Zuri Banana Boat over shallow grass in search of heavy-set sea trout, redfish and snook. 

Long casts and varied presentations are the key to thunderous strikes. When the surface action stops, I suggest looking to shallow diving plugs and soft-plastics to keep the hits coming. Good choices are Rip-Tide’s Curtailer and Conley Grub. Rig the soft-plastics weedless or on a jig depending on the type of structure you are fishing and presentation you are after.

Moving offshore, anglers can expect to encounter the largest dolphin of the year during the spring. If you find temperature breaks and weedlines, you will find dolphin. Although the ‘phins should be plentiful, by far the most action will come from aggressive king mackerel. Toothy kings prefer shallow waters between 30 to 70-feet and will not be far from bait-holding structures. Flashy spoons and live baits like greenies, Spanish sardines, cigar-minnows and blue-runners will work well for the kings. Hot spots include the Loran Tower Reef, the 6-Mile Reef and the King Numbers. Remember – never horse a smoker, let him run as long as he wants and chase him if you have to. You will land a lot more trophy fish this way.

With so many options, it’s no wonder why May and June are many anglers’ favorite months. Until next time, tight-lines to all!

Capt. Ron Bielefeld
Tight-Lines Inshore Guide Service
544 Jay St.Sebastian, FL 32958
Phone: 772-388-9880

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