As we flip the calendar from May to June, we realize that summer has officially ridden into town and has every intention of sticking around for a while. That initial, dreadful thought of triple digit temperatures, with barely a hint of a breeze is quickly overridden by thoughts of virtually every inshore species fighting for their lives at the end of our lines.
That is exactly what this month brings. Wide-open fishing begins now, and will continue for the next few months. Every species known to these parts will be at your fingertips, there for the taking if you so choose.
Those big winds have pretty much blown themselves out and we are staring hot, humid days, green water, and lots of fish catching right in the face. All you have to do now is figure out what you want to do.
The nearshore Gulf waters will produce everything from bluefish to ling, whereas, the inshore waters of the channel, lake and bayous will be giving up the big-3 like its nobody’s business. Fishing the open nearshore Gulf waters can be an exciting change of pace, and I definitely plan on doing my share of it.
Leaving the trout and reds alone every now and then is not that big of a sacrifice when sight fishing for tripletail on a nice weed line, or catching bull reds and jack crevalle in a massive school of pogie is the alternative. Besides, I promised my kids we would do more shark fishing this year. You can bet I’ll be out there taking advantage of some of those ultra calm days chasing sharks, tripletail, ling and whatever else we can coax into taking our bait.
As for the big-3, you should have little problem catching at least a few at every stop.
Tidal movement and the presence of bait are two very important factors that should put you in the money.
Two to four foot depths over mud and scattered shell can be prime real estate when you’ve got current and bait thrown into the mix.
Greedy Trout and reds will make their presence known in these areas and should be more than willing to accept your offering of topwaters and soft plastics. Skitterwalks and SheDogs in pearl, pink, and black/ chartreuse are our go to topwaters, while Flounder Pounder’s CT Shad and Mullet, as well as glow and limetreuse Assassins are favorite soft plastics.
These same areas, as well as the points at the mouths of the bayous on the eastern side of the lake will also hold some nice flounder. The above-mentioned soft plastics tipped with fresh shrimp and live mud minnows will work well. Just drag them along the bottom and wait for the thump.
THE BANK BITE
Location: McFadden Beach
Species: Trout, Redfish
Baits/Lures: Topwaters, soft plastics, gold and silver spoons
