May of 08.<br />
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Boca Grande is famous for its Summer tarpon action but we have much more to offer. Big tarpon are concentrated in the Big Pass and hundreds of boats are chasing em. Silver kings are scattered up and down the coast too. Sharks, very big sharks are here if you’re up for it. We have good catch and release snook fishing; reds and trout are both in season. Some pompano should move thru if you are ready to pick em off. The big permit will be spawning on the offshore reefs. Barracuda, some cobia and a few big king mackerel help pass time between permit. Waters are due to clear up and winds should stay calm if you want to venture out into the wild blue yonder for some blue water fishing.<br />
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Tarpon. Boca Grande area tarpon action is the best bet for anglers wanting big fish on beer budgets. Some folks like to get in the mix at the Big Pass; it is exciting but not for me. I enjoyed fishing there the old traditional way from 1981 till 95 but then the weighted hooks took over. I just can not call a sharp hook with a sinker spot tied to the bottom of it a “jig” because it’s not; I still wonder why it is not used anywhere else. Tarpon should bite a lure, not it bite the fish. This style of chasing tight balls/schools of fish has ruined a traditional local fishery that had respected this special gamefish Boca Grande became famous for. Try it and see what you think? Fortunately with thousands of fish in the pass many are coming and going all the time. This let’s us observe “happy” schools of silver kings and stalk them with quiet electric motors and sight cast to giant sardines. That silver mirror flashing back at you as a 100+ pound tarpon eats your crab or minnow will imprint in your memory bank forever. If you can maintain composure to reel tight and hook up, the speed along with power of the first jumps will print clearly on your brain. It takes some time to wear out the silver giants but it’s a lifetime memory however you catch em. <br />
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Sharks. If you want even bigger fish try the sharks. Those lighter tackle, weighted hook rigs have trained area sharks to stay in the Big Boca Pass for free lunch. By following the tarpon around the deeper “hole” waters for hours fishing on the lighter mono these new experts have taught the sharks to hang around. They are just trolling a giant sardine attracting big sharks. So if you’re ready for a monster from the deep try shark fishing down here now. We have bull sharks in packs and huge hammerheads over 1000 pounds if you are up for it. <br />
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Snook are closed and spawning; please don’t beat em to death. It is fun to catch a few and something special you can do with kids to help them learn to enjoy hot action. Circle hooks are recommended here to help save valuable fish. Remember to move if the dolphin hang out for there for free lunch. It’s illegal to feed dolphin and terrible to feed em snook. <br />
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Trout and reds help provide the inshore dinner opportunities. Charlotte Harbor trout are doing ok but reds are chased around by all the big money tournaments. It is hard to find happy fish when flats are so disturbed by fast boats constantly. We have fish and they can be caught but quiet places are harder to find. Our area is beautiful but all the recent publicity has brought hundreds of new boats and many impatient anglers seeking hot action. Avoid em and enjoy the area.<br />
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Pompano. Schools of smaller pompano are due to pass thru the area this month. Be prepared because they will not hold for long. I carry rigged poles while beach fishing tarpon because we frequently get to eat a delightful pompano dinner by being equipped. Small specialized “pompano” jigs are all you need.<br />
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Permit are due on wreaks and reefs. Live crabs are best but shrimp and jigs can work. I have tried the plastic crabs but no takers yet. Long fluorocarbon leaders help here. Just look at the big eyes and you’ll understand why. Be patient and try other fishing while you wait. Cobia, cudas, kings and jacks all live here too.<br />
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Blue water fishing is primetime now. I head several reports last month of sailfish and even blue marlin in shallow area waters. If you have the rig and the gas money it’s the time to go way off shore looking for tuna, marlin, mahi mahi, and more. Just be safe and enjoy the experience. Let’s Go fishin’ soon. This is the time before it really gets hot. Captain Van Hubbard. <<br />