Its Spring....Tarpon Time
Capt. Charles Wright
April 1, 2009
Everglades City - Saltwater Fishing Report
I am sure that it is my relationship with the rooster is a major reason that makes May and June one of my favorite times to be in the Everglades. However, the fishing certainly is the dominant one.
I get up very early all year round whether I am I fishing or not. You see, it is my responsibility to bum-rush the rooster out of bed to do his job. Long before sunrise in May and June and just as soon as the rooster gets the boot, I can leave to go fishing. Throughout the winter and even early spring, the fish do not seem to get up early to feed, preferring rather to lounge around a bit until things warm up. That is all and good, but I am up raring to go, but the fish are not.
May and June are different. The fish fall into their summertime pattern of feeding very early and very late. We leave a hour before sunrise running in the darkness through the Everglades backwaters. Laced with phosphorescence, the boat's wake produces a wonderful green glow behind the boat. This early morning ride out is worth the price of admission for many.
Just as the sun begins to change the hue of the morning sky, our baits hit the water
top water plugs
big ones
trout-chokers. For me, May and June are all about early morning snook and tarpon on top water.
May and June are excellent times for the kayak fishing trips. Although, once the afternoon thunderstorms begin, we end the camping trip packages and do "lodge-based" trips. Of course the day trips on the Yak Attack continue all year. Presently, we have camping trips scheduled for 5/2 and 5/5. May 15th will likely be our last scheduled weekend camping trip until October trip.
The "lodge" package is a great value
three days of guided fishing, two nights of lodging in Everglades City or Chokoloskee and all meals for $789.00 per person.
See you on the water!
Capt. Charles Wright
www.ChokoloskeeCharters.com
www.EvergladesKayakFishing.com
239-695-9107
Everglades City Fishing Forecast:
Snook Season closes again in May 1st for the spawning season. By now, most of the bigger fish will have moved in from offshore as the water warms. The average size of the snook these months are 3-4 times that of the winter and spring. I still prefer sight-fishing in the shallows with fly or very light spinning tackle!! However, early morning top water is tough to beat
Redfish are still plentiful, but these months are by-catch with the bigger snook here! Stick baits like, Gulp, live baits and other naturals work best. The bigger fish will still run down your big top water plugs and you can certainly expect many shots at them in the shallows while sight fishing,
Tarpon in May and June are Everglades's regulars. This past March, especially early March, was some of the best tarpon fishing that I can remember leaving me with high hopes for May and June. Fish early and fish late!!!
Permit are back for the duration back in large schools. Flies and jigs, yes, but a live crab is best. These fish average 18 lbs with a 25-30 fight on 8 lb spinning gear.
Speckled Trout are still here in numbers
rising tide, jigs, Clausers minnows
With the tarpon and snook around, they can be a nuisance.
Cobia
The cobia are here and stay here until mid-June, but the fish usually get smaller as time goes on. Most of the bigger fish have migrated north by June.
Black Drum , You can kiss most of the schooled fish goodbye.
Snappers
lots
live shrimp under the mangroves.
Gag Grouper
It summer, if you catch one in the Glades now
he is lost.
Sheep head
coming again next year.
Action Fish
Jacks, lady fish, and Spanish
catch them until you are tired
once you locate them
Target Species:
Snook ,Tarpon, Redfish, Permit, Cobia, Speckled Trout
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