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Venice Inlet and the Gulf of Mexico

Capt. Dave Pinkham
May 24, 2007
Venice - Saltwater Fishing Report

June is an Excellent Month for Gulf Offshore Fishing West of Venice Florida

The month of June has got to be one of the best months of the year for fishing on the gulf. For all of you folks that can’t take the heat; the weather is still not too hot yet and the gulf’s waters are generally calm. These two factors alone are enough to get any angler that enjoys fishing out on the water. But add to this equation the fact that the fishing action can get red hot this time of the year and then there is no excuse left on why not to go fishing.

This time of year just about any species that swims on the gulf can be caught. Certain times of year bring more and better opportunities to catch different species, but June just seems to be the catch all month. With that said here is the fishing forecast for the month of June. In my opinion the next 30 days out on the gulf are going to bust wide open!

- Spanish Mackerel will be hitting from just off the beaches and on out deeper. The reason I never leave these fish out of my forecast because they are just so much fun to catch, and they as close to a sure thing as you can get. Most of the action with the Spanish will be on live pilchards or silver spoons. Out on the gulf try locating birds such as terns diving down at the water and you will usually find feeding Spanish mackerel below.

- Tarpon fishing should peak over the next few weeks. Once the summer kicks in with afternoon thunderstorms, the rolling tarpon just seem to show less. Sight fishing is one of the predominant methods used for targeting tarpon. Early morning is usually the best time of day to find them. Once a pod of tarpon is sighted, casting live baits such as crabs, pinfish, or grunts will often provoke one into hitting.

- Barracuda are showing up at the local artificial reefs and shipwrecks. As the water temperatures continue to rise the cuda will become very active and will hit just about anything that moves. They can be a blast to catch on light tackle so break out the spinning gear.

- Shark fishing really takes off in the summer months. In close to the coastline large hammerheads will be on the prowl for tarpon. Farther offshore smaller schooling sharks such as the blacktip and lemon shark will be found scattered over the local reefs.

These sharks will hit the same bait as any other fish. If you are having trouble with cut-offs then put on some wire because the culprit may be shark.

- Permit fishing on the offshore wrecks generally peaks in June. Crabs and large shrimp both make excellent baits. These beautiful fish release well so be sure to handle them carefully when photographing.

- Grouper fishing has been decent. As the weather continues to warm it may be time to consider targeting red grouper. Usually most of the keepers will be caught outside of 90-foot of water. Live and dead baits will both produce fish.

- Snapper fishing is one of the most dependable fisheries we have on this coast. There are many different species on the gulf such as mangrove, lane, yellow tail, mutton, and vermilion snappers. Cut bait and shrimp are hard to beat for good action. The same hard bottom that holds grouper will also attract snappers.

- Blackfin tuna are always possible in the late spring. Generally the trick to catching one is by keeping several live baits free lined out behind the boat while your busy bottom fishing.

- Sailfish, Wahoo, and dolphin fishing are caught more on the other coast although if you run deep then your odds of catching them go way up. Watch for surface action and or weed lines that will help you locate these species.

If you're not out fishing you're wishing you were. Get out and go fishin cuz' it's good fer ya!

More Fishing Reports:

 

Having worked as a fishing guide on Florida's west coast for 30 years, Capt. Dave can show you how to rig your boat and fish from Sarasota to Boca Grande

Contact Info:

Capt. Dave Pinkham' Fishing Service
Phone: 941-223-9352
Email the Captain
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