Fishing Forecast

Well, it’s been a good run, but we are coming to the end of surf fishing as we know it. That’s right folks; we had a few great fishing months, but June is upon us and you know what that means… JUNE GRASS! Called June Grass by locals, it’s a form of algae, and although it makes fishing the surf near impossible, it’s a vital component of our ecosystem. For those who don’t know what I’m talking about, June Grass is the green, dried-up, smelly clumps of algae washed up on the beaches during June and July along the panhandle. However, this is a healthy form of algae, not to be confused with red tide, which happens to be another form of algae bloom that can cause respiratory issues in humans. June Grass provides a food source for marine creatures such as crabs, shorebirds and dune mice. However, fear not; I will provide you with a few alternatives, so you don’t have to miss out on summertime fishing.

Try your hand at pier fishing. June and July can be a great time to fish the local piers. Spanish and King mackerel can be caught as well as tarpon. That’s correct; tarpon are migratory fish that make their appearance along the gulf coast during the summer months. In my opinion, using a medium-heavy to heavy rod paired with a 7000 or better spinning reel will get the job done. Throwing large swimbaits will usually entice them to eat. I prefer an 8” white Hogy bait; this soft plastic catches a lot of fish during the summer.

Target the inshore slam; speckled trout, redfish and flounder. This time of year, the shallow grass flats are on fire with speckled trout, redfish and flounder. You’ll have to wade through the pinfish because they are thick. Especially if using live shrimp under a popping cork, you will go through some bait. I like to use soft plastics in this type of fishing as well. It is very versatile; you can use it under a cork or by itself. You can even use it behind a topwater lure. This tip came from Capt Bill Lipscomb of E-6 Inshore Fishing Adventures. Remove the back hook, and tie on a short leader with the jig head. Work the topwater bait as you usually would. The jig will rise and fall erratically, enticing a strike. Until next month folks, may your lines be tight and coolers be full!