It’s Heating Up!
It’s May and the air temperature is heating up along with the fish bite, so let’s get going!
Inshore
The inshore bite is right where it should be this month with the Redfish once again taking center stage. Plenty of fish of all sizes are available now. For those of you early risers, take advantage of the speckled trout biting on topwater plugs, these have been a blast! I like throwing skitter walk lures in bone Redfish and Trout patterns. They make them with and without rattles but pick up one of each since some days fish like excitement, and some days they like peace and quiet.
Flounder fishing will start getting better and better this month. The bait of choice on these fish are Mud Minnows and Finger Mullet. I’ve been catching quite a few Flounder on my recent charters using 1/4 oz. Jig Heads with either above mentioned bait or live Shrimp. Focus your attention on local feeder creeks, docks, and any rip-rap in the shallows.
Offshore
The offshore trolling has been nothing short of amazing. Talking with other Sea Fox Boat owners and charter captains, the Dolphin bite has been the leader. Start in around 140 feet of water and begin to run a zig-zag pattern east. You may also get lucky and land a Wahoo or Tuna as well since they are still attacking the Mahi baits. Keep your options open and make sure you bring the heavy tackle out. I’ve heard of close to a dozen Blue Marlin and a bunch of Sailfish caught recently. They are stalking the same waters as the Mahi, feeding on the large schools of Flying Fish.
If you are interested in bottom fishing you’re in luck! Grouper season is now open as of May 1st. Large live and dead baits will work just fine. Have a pitch rod handy when looking for these fish, when one swims up to the boat, drop in the rod with a 1-2 oz. Jig Head to get a quick bite. One last note, there are still Rays on the beach but not so many Cobia have stayed with them.
Don’t forget to check out my Facebook page for daily updates with what’s going on or send me message if you have any questions!
See You On The Water,
Capt. Scott Shank
Waylen Bay Marine 