Capt'n Tom

June means summer is in full swing, and fishing on Pier 60 has heated up as well.

We are still seeing a lot of Spanish Mackerel action first thing in the morning. The Macks have been hitting free-lined shrimp, small minnows, or plugs that mimic those small fish. We have also seen a smattering of undersize small King Mackerel mixed in with the Spanish. It is important to know how to tell the difference, as the King Mackerel needs to be at least 24 inches to the fork of the tail, while the Spanish need only to be 12 inches to the fork in order to be a legal keeper fish.

Tarpon are traveling in pods up and down the beach, and as they move past, offer a chance to hook up with the “Silver King”. Most of the fish are in the 50 to 80 pound class, but fish over 100 pounds have been hooked and jumped. Tarpon fishermen have been getting hits on live Pinfish or Grunts suspended under a float.

Snook caught June 2010 on Pier 60

Snook are all along the beaches and in the passes. Best time to get in a tussle with one of these bruisers is in the very early mornings, or late at night. The bite usually lasts an hour or two in the evening, and most anglers have found catch-and-release success using live Pinfish, Grunt, or Ladyfish. Many of the fish being caught are females well over 40 inches, and are survivors of the winter’s cold spells. It is hoped that these spawning fish will replenish the stock of this gamefish whose numbers were severely curtailed during the winter.

Spotted Sea Trout, June 2010

Spotted Sea Trout are showing up during the day here and there, but the best time to target them is at night. Live shrimp, small live sardines, and grubtail lures tipped with a bit of fresh shrimp are working best. Quite a few Trout over 20 inches have been taken.

A few Redfish are starting to show up, and most are in the keeper slot size of 18 to 27 inches. Reds like shrimp best, but the larger fish will readily take a small live fish on the bottom.

Pompano action has been fairly steady, with a few fish taken daily. Some of the Pompano have been in excess of 18 inches, and are quite colorful, with their golden bellies contrasting against their bluish-silver sides. Pompano have been biting jigs and live shrimp.

Sheepshead can be seen feeding around the pilings during daylight hours, and some fishermen have caught a limit of ten fish in an afternoon. Success requires patience, a light touch, and the right bait and presentation.

Schools of Jack Crevalle make an appearance daily by rushing, en masse, into a school of fry or small baitfish, churning the water’s surface into a boiling mass for a minute or so. Jacks, although not considered good table fare, are a determined and strong fighter that break tackle with the initial hit and sustained powerful fight.

Cobia are migrating down the coast, and Pier 60 provides ideal structure for a prowling crab-eater. Some of the fish have been just undersize, but there have been a few keepers over 33 inches caught on live baits fished on the bottom. Cobia are inquisitive and opportunistic, and many times will follow the Manatees as they move up and down the beaches during the day.

A few Flounder were caught in June, with a few fish in the 18-inch range. Most have been around 12 inches, taken on live shrimp.

Whiting have been showing up in decent numbers over sandy bottom areas mid-way out on the Pier, and have been partial to cut shrimp and squid.

Lots of small Sharks have been caught and released this month, with the majority being BlackTip Sharks. BonnetHead Sharks are also here in abundance, and are seen mostly at night.

Some of the largest Key West Grunts seen inshore in years have been caught recently. Some of the Grunts have measured up to 15 inches, and provide tasty fillets. Grunts have been biting on squid and shrimp.

Other species we have seen this month include Undersize Gag Grouper, Blue Runner, Bluefish, Black Sea Bass, and Ladyfish.

It’s a great time to get out and experience some of the best fishing of the year.

Good Luck Fishing!