SWFL Fishing Forecast for May, 2018

A lot of good things have been going on in the harbor. I’ve seen some stuff that hasn’t seemed to happen in the past couple years. For one the schools of Thread Herring have been good in the north end of the Harbor, not just big guys either. The size that most of our migratory fish depend on. During my morning runs I have seen on a daily basis Spanish Mackerel jumping through bait schools. So on a recent charter I had a youth angler, and these guys keep the rods bent. I did notice a good number of juvenile Kings mixed in. So if you plan to keep some for dinner make sure you keep the correct fish. Spanish have to be 12″ to the fork, and kings are 24″. These two fish look very similar when smaller. I normally look at the lateral lines, Spanish have a steady slope and kings drop at a greater angle.

The flats fishing has been steadily picking up over the past couple weeks. For the most part snook have been the main target, although season is closed in May. The barrier islands close to open flats have been holding good numbers of fish. Most of these fish have been in the 2-5 pound range. How ever we have been getting some fish over ten pounds. Free lined live baits have been getting the best action. On the lower tides look for fish to fall off into pot holes or on bars. While targeting Snook on lower tides on bars and pot holes we have seen some trout action also. The trout we’ve been catching have been 15-18″ with some over 20″.

Probably the second most targeted or the most targeted is showing up in the harbor also. If you guessed Tarpon, than you are correct. I’ve been seeing good numbers of fish in different areas. From the black water to the south end of the harbor. Sometimes the best way to locate these guys is burning gas. Oh yea, gas is going up! On a calm windless morning these guys can be seen from a good distance. Large herring and small crabs are the best baits. Try flat lining or place under a float. One day one works better than the other, that’s just Tarpon fishing. If other boats are in the area working the same school, be as courteous as possible. The chances are pretty high it’s a guide with clients. For the most part if you show them respect, I promise you, you will receive it back.

With the water temps steadily increasing our fishery should continue to trend in a positive way. Our next big weather event hopefully will come in a couple months in our rainy season.

If you are looking for a great day fishing on Charlotte Harbor give me a call or send me an email and we will custmize a private charter that best fits your parties needs. Until next time have a great and safe time on the water.

You can also follow me on Twitter @ backbayxtremes for daily and weekly updates.

Captain Dave Stephens * (941) 916-5769 * Back Bay Xtremes * PO Box 510746, Punta Gorda FL 33951

Flats Fishing Charters for Charlotte Harbour, Punta Gorda, Florida