THE
Fish
Whisperer
May Fishing Forecast
24 TYBEE BEACHCOMBER | MAY 2019
Captain
Nick Shreves
PIER FISHING
Pier fishing is improving. Whiting, Bluefish, Black Drum, Redfish,
Pompano, Sheepshead, and Spanish Mackerel should all be around. For
most of these you can fish the bottom with Shrimp or cut Mullet and do
pretty well. Shrimp is always the number one bait of choice. But if the
Spanish are around, you will want a Gotcha Plug. Working this plug is not
as easy as it seems, work it as fast as you can while keeping it in the
water with lots of short jerks. This triggers the natural instinct of a fish to
attack. You can catch more than Spanish Mackerel on these as well, so
make sure you have a few in your tackle box..
INSHORE
Fishing season has started and most every species can be caught on a
regular basis now. For Redfish, Speckled Sea Trout, and Flounder, I would
still use a jig head and a Gulp bait. I like the swimming Mullet in a 4 inch
size. My favorite colors are white and smoke. Stewart’s Bait and Tackle
Shop has them. They also carry Vudu shrimp made by Egret and they catch
fish. Plain and simple, it’s the best imitation shrimp I have ever seen. For
live bait try Mud Minnows, Shrimp or Mullet.
NEAR SHORE
We can rejoice as Cobia season is here and they have to be one of our
largest fish to target. Due to changes to regulations, all must be released.
As far as a sports fish, these are right up top. These fish can get over
90 pounds and its pretty common to catch them in the 30 to 40 pound
range and can be found on the near shore wrecks and almost any large
structure. Jigs, live Eels, live Manhaden and Squid are some choice bait.
The Black Sea Bass are still fired up as with many other bottom fish.
Spanish Mackerel will be around the nearshore reefs, as well as shipping
channels, and near the end of the month King Mackerel will be showing
up. These fish can be caught free lining live bait or slow trolling.
OFF SHORE
The offshore fishery is about as good as it gets. This time of year Mahi
Mahi, Wahoo, Blackfin Tuna, Barracuda, Cobia, and Amberjack are just a
start to what you can land while trolling offshore. The bottom fishing is
great as well. Grouper season has opened and fishing ledges and wrecks
can be a great way to start your day. Vermillion Snapper, Triggerfish, Black
Sea Bass, Grunts, Porgies, and Amberjack will also be thick around the
same areas. A day out here this time of year can fill your freezer for the
whole year.
Thank you all for the support and hope you all have tight lines and
full fish boxes. To join me on a fishing trip call me at Big Fish Charters
(912) 230-4625.