By Kayla Burleson
It’s that summer time of year where the days get longer, fishing heats up and anglers get more time on the water. We’ve spent some time doing all types of fishing, and here’s a report straight from the water.
If you’re fishing from shore, you may have noticed some grass out on the beaches. It is most definitely fishable, and it has likely helped the ecosystem as well. The pompano are plentiful and reds are still being caught from the shore. We’ve also seen whiting and a few Spanish mackerel hanging around, too. Looking to catch them? Try small pieces of Fish Bites or FishGum on a pompano rig. Weight size varies depending on the swell, but a typical go-to is a 3-ounce weight.
If you’re fishing in the Bay, Spanish have been found the last couple of weeks. We prefer small g-Eye jigs or a gold spoon, but they are not as plentiful as they once were. You can also catch the occasional trout or redfish as they dock hop, if you know where to look. They may not be trophy fish, but they are fun to catch. Live shrimp on a popping cork or Carolina rig is typically the ticket, but that is not to say you cannot catch some good reds on fiddler crabs or even top water lures near the docks.
Fishing from the pier means you have a chance to catch a variety of species. Cobia fishing hasn’t been what it used to be, but we have seen a few caught this year; some on jigs, some on live bait. There have also been jack crevalle and Spanish Mackerel caught in the meantime, also on jigs. We’ve also seen a few mahi sneaking up close and plenty of hardtail along with a few pompano.
Trying to fill a cooler? Mingo on a two-hook rig bottom fishing have been plentiful. You can find trigger as well, but for them to be legal size has proven to be a bit more of a challenge unless you are out past 125-plus feet. Amberjack are also plentiful, and red snapper are definitely out there and just waiting for their season! Announced this month, there will be 70 days to harvest red snapper, beginning June 16. The season will include every day June 16-July 31, 2023, and three-day weekends during October and November. There will be a two per person limit at 16 inches.
Head offshore and you may see some awesome bluefin tuna caught in the last few days as well as wahoo and even swordfish. Grouper have been showing up in great numbers, which definitely makes our taste buds happy!
The temperatures are heating up and so is the fishing. We’d love to know what you’re seeing out there! In the meantime, here’s to warmer, more consistent weather patterns and tight lines.
