Whitey's Fishing Report June 1, 2009
Offshore
Get out and get while you can. When the ocean lays down, put that boat in the water and get offshore. The dolphin are still migrating through the Sebastian offshore waters out close to the Gulf Stream and those boaters who are not waiting for lake Atlantic are reaping the benefits. Most of the dolphin are ranging from 15-25 lbs. with larger fish over 30 lbs. A few sailfish have been raised along the weed lines and you might even get a chance at a small blue marlin this time of year. The marlin are drawn in by the mahi and usually catch you off guard and smoke your lighter gear!
Expect kingfish to remain strong throughout the summer. Try areas south like Bethel Shoals, the Pines, or up north around the High Bar and if you want to find a smoker, but don't forget the easiest place of all, the beach. Drifting live baits or bump trolling them on the surface can draw some explosive top water action. If fishing slows try dropping one down on the downrigger. A good way to locate the kings is trolling lipped plugs or spoons on planers. If you catch a few fish in an area slow down and deploy the live baits for some light line action. This can be one of the most productive ways of fishing offshore and you never know what you might catch.
Bottom fishing should remain good this month if we can keep the upwellings at bay. With a few sporadic reports of cold water it's not looking good. Hopefully this last blow will help stop the flow of cold water inshore. Grouper, snapper and amberjack catches have remained strong throughout last month. Try areas from 80ft all the way out to 300ft. Live bait always is the best bet if you can get it. If you can't try a jig you might be surprised on how well these things work or what will bite them for that matter. A good bet is to target snapper. The snappers are spawning and you can really get on a bite this time of year. Check your bottom #'s out by driving over them and watch for a pyramid of fish above the reef. Anchor up and drift baits back to them, or put out the chum bag and the fish will come to you. If you are looking for a little adventure, stay out overnight and fish all night for mangrove snapper. If you hit it right you can haul in some really nice fish. They always say the full moon in June is the time. Just watch the local radar and be ready to pack it up and head home to avoid a late evening or midnight thunder boomer offshore.
Sebastian Inlet & Surf
With snook season closed expect the snook to start feeding heavily and biting every bait or lure you throw at them. Even the sunburnt tourist at the end of the Jetty with the snoopy rod turned upside down using rotten shrimp he found on the floor will catch one. Oh, did I forget to mention they will all be in the slot of course. All joking aside the summer is a great time to snook fish. Just remember to take care in the handling of these prized gamesters and release them unharmed.
If you get tired of playing with the snook at Sebastian Inlet why not turn your attention to something you can take home and eat. Mangrove Snapper move in this month and take residence in the Inlet. Small silver baits like mojarra or greenies rigged on a sliding egg weight and a hidden hook are the key in catching these fish. It is a waiting game and you can go through a lot of tackle, but it is worth it.
If all this rod screaming action is too much for you and you want to just have a relaxing time fishing then try the beach. Surf fishing can be pretty consistent this time of year with action from whiting and the occasional pompano. Clams, sandfleas and shrimp rigged on a pompano rig can be your best bet. Bring the kids and the sunblock and enjoy your day on the beach just relaxing, and hopefully catch some fish.
River
The river can be teeming with life this month and it is a great time to get out and enjoy it. Trout, reds and snook start to turn to their summer time patterns by taking up station on the deeper flats or dropoffs as the water warms up. Expect the shallow flats to be most productive in the early mornings and evenings and then as the day progresses move out to deeper waters to stay on the fish. A deep mangrove point can be a great place to target as the waters warm up. A live shrimp, pigfish or pinfish are probably the trick to catching a lazy summer fish.
Until next month, keep the sunscreen on and drink plenty of water as you get out and hook up on the big one.......
Whitey's Bait & Tackle
321-724-1440
9030 S Highway A1a
Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
captstovall@whiteysonline.com
www.whiteysonline.com/
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