New moon signals the return of the silver king – tarpon return after offshore spawn
With the arrival of the new moon, tarpon anglers are venturing back into the Gulf of Mexico in anticipation of the return of tarpon as they return from their offshore spawning grounds.
Typically, when the fish return, the bite can be good as spawning has had them work up quite an appetite.
Fishing evening tides in the passes, as the crabs flush out of the bays, should be productive as these areas are the perfect scenario for the wary tarpon to stage up and wait for their dinner to drift by. And they shouldn’t be finicky as hunger takes over their inhibitions.
Fishing the beaches should be good during morning tides as long as the west winds subside. Casting live threadfin herring to schooling tarpon will generate a bite on most occasions.
Moving to the flats, targeting spotted seatrout is proving to be good in Tampa and Sarasota Bays.
Free-lining live shiners over your favorite trout flats should be productive. Try using the smaller shiners or hatch bait when targeting trout. They love eating these small baits and, as a bonus you can save the larger baits for some catch-and-release snook fishing. And you’ll want to have plenty of snook bait as these fish seem to be everywhere right now. Whether fishing around the mangroves, piers, beaches or in the passes, you’re most likely to spot snook. Remember, they are catch-and-release so handle with care.
Lastly, small groups of redfish are being found around mangrove shorelines. Most catches are occurring while targeting snook.
On my own Just Reel charters, I’m enjoying the abundance of snook that are inhabiting the backcountry.
On many mornings, I’m seeing 20 or more snook reeled to the boat ranging in all sizes. I’ve had quite a few slot fish in the 28-33 inch range as well as some over-slot fish, although the majority are 20-26 inches.
While targeting snook I’m seeing a handful of redfish caught on most trips.
Lastly, spotted seatrout are available to be caught on the deeper grass flats.
