Summer is officially here on Charlotte Harbor. Afternoon thunderstorms have pushed fish out of the upper harbor and into the sound, and right now there is a lot going on across the water. Snook, redfish, trout, tarpon, shark, and Spanish mackerel — it is all moving and active this month.
Redfish
Redfish have been showing well around the mangrove edges. Work the shorelines tight and look for fish pushing into the shallow cover.
Cut baits and live shrimp have both been productive. This is a strong window for inshore redfish before the summer heat pushes conditions around.
Snook
Snook are transitioning right now. Fish have been moving out of the upper harbor toward Turtle Bay, Bull Bay, Pine Island Sound, and Gasparilla Sound as they stage for their summer spawn near the Gulf passes.
Some snook are still inshore and catchable, but action will be more spread out as June progresses. Focus on the movement areas and structure along the way out.
Speckled Trout
Trout fishing has been slower than earlier in the spring, but the fish that are being caught are running a quality 17 to 20 inches. Worth targeting if you like putting good-sized fish in the box.
Fish the deeper grass flats and key in on the pot holes — that is where the trout are sitting. Live shrimp on a popping cork is the call right now.
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish mackerel have been scattered throughout the harbor and in the passes. Good action across a wide area — expect to run across them on just about any trip right now.
Tarpon
Tarpon action has been strong in Boca Grande Pass, and some fish have been caught along the beaches as well. June is a prime month for Boca Grande tarpon — this is what puts the area on the map every summer.
Sharks
Sharks are showing up in numbers along the west wall and in and around the bars in Bull Bay and Turtle Bay. Typical for this time of year as baitfish activity picks up — something to keep in mind if you are targeting other species in those areas.
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Fish are moving and summer is on. Capt. Glenn Sharp has been on these fish and knows where they are right now. Call to book a trip or check live availability online — prime summer dates fill fast.
Call (941) 889-8187 or book online at https://book.vallypro.com/p/reel-sharp-sportfishing
