Summer fishing for tarpon is different than spring fishing for them.  Many of the fish have already spawned and are returning to the area to feed.  This most

 

often occurs in the upper part of Charlotte Harbor where huge schools of threadfin shad are holding.  Early mornings bring calm winds and the fish often

 

"fin out" on the surface.  These are excellent targets for the fly.  The great part about them is they are in the harbor to eat, so a good presentation usually

 

results in a strike.  If you want great shots at the famous "Silver King", try a trip to Charlotte Harbor in August or early September. The best flies are the

 

big patterns in yellow, olive green and chartreuse.  I do still use black and purple when in low light conditions.

 

Snook have been excellent.  I have not seen this many snook in our area in several years.  Ron Whiteley's Eztaz marabou is a great choice for them. 

 

Most of the fish are tight to the beaches and in the passes.  My best success has been in the evening when the winds are light and the tide is low.  Be sure

 

to look for a combination of moving water, the presence of bait fish and reasonable clarity.  I often combine morning tarpon fishing with evening snook

 

fishing to eliminate wasting time in the heat of the day. 

 

I believe redfish are being caught regularly, but I have not been fishing for them.  I really do not have a handle on what they are doing right now.  Usually

 

the redfish school up in late August and September.  I find them on the flats in big numbers pushing water like a school of mullet.  They will take a fly

 

quickly then, but can be spooked easily.  Almost any baitfish imitation will suffice, but do not use much weight.  The water is so shallow that a sinking fly

 

will catch the grass and scare the fish when retrieved. 

 

I had some great luck with seatrout this week topped off by a 28 inch fish so full of roe she looked like a submarine.  I have been fishing in the idle speed

 

zones of Turtle Bay with good success.  I believe the zones are less disturbed by boats and the fish are more active there.  There is a lot of good to be

 

said about idle zones adn pole/troll areas.  Let's all push for some more areas like this.

 

I will be in Montana in early August for the FFF national conclave, but Jill will be able to handle and questions you have.  You can always reach me for

 

more info at 941 232 2960, my cell.

 

Fish Hard,
Pete

Peter T. Greenan - Pres. Fl. Council FFF
captpete@floridaflyfishing.com
2416 Parson Ln.
Sarasota, Fl. 34239
www.floridaflyfishing.com
Tel: 941.923.6095
Cell: 941.232.2960