May is about one thing on the southwest Florida coast: tarpon. The fish are here, the season is in full swing, and Boca Grande Pass is living up to its reputation as the tarpon capital of the world.
But there’s plenty happening around Charlotte Harbor and the surrounding passes for anglers who want more variety.
Tarpon
We’re in the thick of tarpon season right now. The bulk of the action has been at Boca Grande Pass, which is exactly where you’d expect it to be in May as these fish stage and feed on their annual run.
Live pass crabs have been the top bait — the preferred presentation when tarpon are stacked at the pass and feeding with intent. A few fish have also been caught working the beaches, which is typical as the season progresses and fish spread out along the coastline.’
Spanish Mackerel
There’s been a solid spanish mackerel bite running right now. Fish have been showing in Captiva Pass, Gasparilla Pass, and out about a mile off Boca Grande Pass.
Look for working birds and big bait schools — that’s your indicator. When you find them, spoons and bucktail jigs have been getting bit. Mackerel are aggressive and fast, so cover water and stay on top of the bait movement.
Snook
Snook action has been scattered, and that’s largely because the rainy season showed up this week. When the rain comes, snook behavior shifts. The bigger fish are starting to move out to the beaches ahead of their summer spawn — normal for this time of year as water temps rise and instinct takes over.
If you’re targeting snook right now, expect to work for them. The bite is spread out.
Redfish
The redfish bite has been reliable for those willing to get after it early. Most of these fish have been tight to the mangroves around points and on the oyster bars in Turtle Bay — and the morning bite has been the window to be there.
Live shrimp has been the best bait. Find the structure in the low light and you’ll find the fish.
Sharks
Sharks are showing up in numbers right now — big ones. The passes and inside the harbor have both been holding fish. This is typical as water temps rise and baitfish concentrations pull them in close.
Cut ladyfish or jacks are your best bet for bait. If you’re looking for a heavy-tackle fight this spring, the opportunity is right in front of you.
Capt. Glenn Sharp knows these waters, and right now there’s no shortage of reasons to get out on them. Tarpon season doesn’t last forever — prime dates fill fast.
Call (941) 889-8187 or book online at https://book.vallypro.com/p/reel-sharp-sportfishing
