MAY 2023

May 3, 2023 | by Steve Beare

May is one of my favorite months for fishing. The spring bait run is in full affect and the Snook fishing will continue to be good. While we have been strictly C&R with Snook, Snook Season closes May 31. Inlets, bridges, seawalls, docks and mangroves continue to be the best places to target Snook. Redfish should be active on the grass flats, mangroves and docks from Johns Island south to Midway Rd. Look for SeaTrout violating top water lures at first light. As the sun rises move to deeper water and switch to a grub or soft plastic of your choice. Look for clean water (hard to come by lately) and good grass to have your best results. Spanish Mackerel will still be coming in with the tides. Sheephead, Snapper and Black Drum are still hanging around the bridges. This is when the big Jack Crevalles and Ladyfish begin to create havoc in the river. Whiting, Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish and Pompano will continue to run the beach with Tarpon in the mix. Tarpon will also begin to make their way into the Lagoon.

Another great thing about May is that May 1st is the opener for Grouper along our zone. Couple that with the influx of Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi) and you have the earmark for a great day on the water and evening at the table. Grouper can be found from 60′-200′ and pilchards, grunts and cigar minnows are my top choice of baits. The Mangrove and Mutton Snapper bite will also continue to get better. My success has come in the 65′-90′ range. The trolling bite is will consist of Kingfish, Cobia, Dolphin, and even Sailfish. Tarpon will be working the beaches out to the 40′ range and may even have a chance at some strangling Cobia.