June in Charlotte Harbor means heat, shallow water action, and fish hugging cover to stay comfortable. Conditions have been hot and dry, which pushes fish to predictable spots — early morning bites near the points and deeper grass flats later in the day. If you pick your windows right, there are plenty of fish to be had.
Redfish
Redfish have been holding tight against the mangrove shorelines through the heat. The points around Turtle Bay and Bull Bay have been producing well in the early morning hours before the sun gets high, and there has been consistent action on both the shallow edges and the deeper grass flats in 4 to 5 feet of water. Live shrimp, pinfish, and cut ladyfish have all been getting it done.
This is classic Charlotte Harbor summer behavior for reds — they seek shade and structure when water temps climb, which makes them predictable for anyone who knows where to look. Capt. Glenn Sharp knows these shorelines well.
Snook
Snook have been tucked in the same mangrove edges as the reds, holding tight in the shade and staging near structure. Low-light periods have been the most productive window, with the bite tapering off once the heat sets in for the day.
Water temps near 90 degrees are pushing snook to behave predictably — they are not roaming far from cover. Present live bait along the shoreline early and you give yourself a real shot.
Speckled Trout
The flats have had some solid trout action. The deeper grass flats in the 4 to 5 foot range have been the most consistent through the middle of the day, as fish seek out slightly cooler water during the hottest hours. Live shrimp have been the go-to.
Summertime trout on the flats is a reliable Charlotte Harbor pattern, and right now conditions are lining up as expected.
Snapper & Sheepshead
A few snappers and sheepshead have been mixed in with the redfish and snook along the mangroves. These structure-oriented species love the same kind of wood, root tangles, and shaded edges that hold the bigger targets — a nice bonus for anyone working those shorelines.
Sharks
Bonnethead and small bull sharks have been active on the flats, which is normal for this time of year in Charlotte Harbor. Both species follow the bait and stay active in warm water. Good to be aware of when releasing fish — get them back in the water quickly.
The area is in the middle of a hot, dry stretch and water temps have been running right around 90 degrees. Rain would help cool things down and fire up the bite. In the meantime, early morning is the window to be on the water — fish are active before the heat sets in, and the action slows through midday.
Capt. Glenn Sharp is running charters out of Punta Gorda through the summer heat, and he knows exactly where the fish are staging right now. Dates fill up — give him a call at (941) 889-8187 or book online at https://book.vallypro.com/p/reel-sharp-sportfishing to lock in your trip.
Tight lines, Punta Gorda.
