June catchin outlook

Report Date: June 1, 2007

If you want to go fishing this month, you can expect a real mixed bag now and for the next couple of months. Redfish, Tarpon, Jacks, Kings, Cobia, Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Shark, Grouper, Trout and Lady fish. There are lots of fish offshore if you are willing to look for them and fish for whatever bites instead of trying to target a specific species. Live bait will be available for most of the summer . You can always catch pin fish over grass flats. Dead bait will work on many of the bottom fish offshore and rigged baits and lures will work for most of the pelagics, but live is best.

This year’s trout season is one of the best we’ve seen. Many big trout over 20 inches and many in the 5-7 pound class have been the norm not the exception. Captain SteveFussell out of Crystal River limits out almost every trip with his clients. Providing his folks with a great day of catching and some great table fare. Fresh golden fried trout, hushpuppies and cheese grits is a southern tradition that’s hard to beat.


Big Redfish, Cobia and Tarpon are cruising the flats! That's what we have been catchin' and will continue this month . The ol' spotted tail Redfish and the Silver King, Tarpon.. Rod bending, arm tiring, line screaming, tackle testing, bulldog fighting , fly rod angler's dream fish. You hook into one of these rascals on spinning gear or fly rod, and you have a fun time on your hands.

The Tarpon fishing will be hot this month. Many big Silver Kings will be jumped and landed during June and July all along the Nature Coast. Folks come from all over the world to try to catch a world record off the Homosassa flats when these big silver giants show up. So, give me a call and for any openings. You won’t be sorry.

This time of year, while drifting the flats, it’s not uncommon to run into schools of bluefish and jacks. If you really want to have some fun, put on a top water Mirrolure Top Dog or your favorite top water lure with a wire leader. Cast it toward the school, work it fast and furious, making as much noise as possible and hang on!!!! These aggressive fish will hammer it like you’ve never seen, sometimes knocking the plug in the air only to hit it again when it hits the water. They will tear up a plug, so, get your old, ugly, rusty ones and use them ..They will work fine.

The Brants from Melbourne with a big Redfish...

With the full moon of June, July and August the big Reds come inshore each year and school up on the Crystal River and Homosassa flats. This is the best time to catch some of these big 'uns. They tend to be a little spooky, so in clear, shallow water, a stealth approach is required. Once you find and set up on a school, try to be as quiet as possible and careful not to make any type noise with the boat. All it takes is a loud bump on the bottom of the boat and these fish disappear.

We have had best luck fishing from our 24’ customized Carolina Skiff by drifting rocky points, oyster bars, and rocky flats, casting gold or silver spoons and soft plastics, like Salt water Assassins or the Texas Assassins in pearl white, electric chicken or goldfish or the new Slurp scented baits. Once we locate fish, we sight cast to the schools. The most successful technique is using live pin fish, finger mullet or small crab under a cork or freelined, however, cut bait of mullet or ladyfish will work, too. You talk about feeling "like a bird dog on point", try standing on the bow of a boat, looking at 50+ big Reds in a tight school just 50 feet away, waiting for you to throw something to eat their way. Son!!!! It don't get no better than that!!!!


Occasionally, a tarpon or large shark is hooked while fishing for trout or reds. That will get your excitement up real quick! Keep a heavy duty rig available just in case. Many have been hooked, chased and some landed using medium action spinning gear. A fight of 15 seconds, to 35 minutes, to an hour or more can result . If you’re lucky, you can get one to the boat for a quick picture and release. Those of you out there who fish this part of the Gulf, know exactly what I’m talking about. So, be prepared for the big one.

Offshore grouper, has been outstanding and should continue. Most catches coming from 40-50 ft. Plenty of spanish mackerel and Cobia will be caught both inshore and off. There have been a larger number of sharks inshore this year. A lot of Black Tips, Bonnet heads, bulls and Atlantic Sharpnose. These are fun to catch on any tackle.

Give me a call while these Redfish and Tarpon are inshore and biting. I guarantee you will have a super time catching these bad boys.

And remember: “Take a youngster fishing, ‘cause a child’s smile and a good day fishin’ is the best medicine for what ever ails ya.”

Until later,
Captain Ed Lewis www.Redfishhunter.com
Ph. 352-629-9684 email CaptainEd@Redfishhunter.com

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