North Pinellas, Stewart Ames

Snook and big redfish dominated May fishing.  Both proved to be fairly dependable catches over the last few weeks.  Redfish did, at times, prove challenging to find on the weaker tide phases but when high water returned, they were consistently located, mostly along mangrove shorelines.  The only exception to this was one large oyster bar which consistently produced the month’s biggest fish.  Although some “low twenties” fish were caught, the vast majority of fish measured from 24 to 30 inches, with several pushing into the low 30’s. Live pinfish and whitebait, as well as a broad array of cut baits did the job.

Snook appear to have completed their transition to the beaches with just a few fish still being caught up in the mangroves while redfishing. Although some large fish were caught on grass grunts, the majority of fish seemed more interested in eating large whitebaits…not necessarily common for this time of year.  Although snook certainly eat both baits very willingly, grunts have usually become the go to big fish bait by late May. An average charter has been yielding about a half dozen fish with most of these fish being of better quality.  Some smaller males are being caught occasionally but the majority of the fish seem to be between 26 and 34 inches…with a larger fish or two joining the mix every other day or so. Conversation with some local recreational fisherman who fish at night indicates that the biggest of fish are still being caught on into the darkness…not untypical for this somewhat nocturnal species.

As June begins, look for the above action on both species to remain consistent.  June is an outstanding month to catch both.  Tarpon have also begun to populate local beaches, providing yet another great local gamefish to pursue.  Good luck and good fishing