THE
Fish
Whisperer
June Fishing Forecast
24 TYBEE BEACHCOMBER | JUNE 2019
Captain
Nick Shreves
PIER FISHING
Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Whiting, Pompano, Speckled Sea Trout,
Sheepshead, Black Drum Ladyfish are all around, and I wouldn’t be
surprised if a Tarpon showed up near the end of the month. A double
dropper rig on the bottom with Shrimp is a simple setup that catches
most of these fish. For the Trout, live Shrimp will produce more fish. As
far as Spanish Mackerel, a Gotcha Plug or live Finger Mullet will be prime
choices. If you see Tarpon around, try using live or cut Mullet and Whiting
for a chance at hooking one up. This time of year can be really productive
on the pier. Watch for that green water to be the most productive.
INSHORE
Flounder, Redfish, Speckled Sea Trout are all feeding. This month is when
we really start to target the Flounder in the shallow waters on the creeks.
Fishing the outgoing tide along any kind of structure, such as Oyster rakes,
dock pilings, jetties, or wrecks will produce bites. For Flounder I like to
fish a Carolina style rig, starting with a half-ounce egg weight on the main
line tied to a ball bearing swivel, and a twelve inch leader to a 2/0 to 4/0
Kahle hook, depending on the size of bait I am using. We also fish popping
corks set to the depth we are fishing, to help prevent snagging the bottom.
Live Mud Minnows and live Finger Mullet are my go-to baits this time of
year. For the Speckled Sea Trout and Redfish, I also fish the same way.
Remember to keep it simple.
NEAR SHORE
The waters are warm and every species of fish can be found. The King
Mackerel are in full force. In my opinion there is nothing like having a drag
screaming run with the fish taking 300 yards on line in mere seconds.
These fish will get the adrenaline pumping for sure. Live Menhaden,
Greenies, and Blue Runners are the best baits for snagging that drag
smoking King Mackerel. The reefs from 50 to 75 feet of water are also
holding Cobia, Black Sea Bass, Triggerfish, Spadefish, and many other
bottom fish to be found right now. I must retract my statement about Cobia
being closed. There have been some changes and I was mistaken, they
have been removed from the federal fisheries list and are regulated by the
state. As of now they must be 36” and one per person with a maximum of
6 per boat. June is still a great month to put a few big Cobia on the dock.
OFF SHORE
This time of year the temperature breaks are harder to find, but they are
around. Sometimes it’s easy to pass the fish. Many days I have seen the
Mahi, Wahoo and Blackfin Tuna in close. I have found a few strays in as
close as 25 miles, but tend to stay in that 100 foot plus range. Watch the
water color and keep an eye out for bait schools such as Flying fish and
smaller Bonita. Most fish won’t be far from them. The bottom bite is still
hot. Grouper, Vermillion Snapper, and Triggerfish are some of the few fish
you can expect to see. Even while bottom fishing, don’t forget to have one
flat line out just in case some pelagic species show up.
Tight Lines and calms seas everyone. If you would like to join us for a
fishing adventure, give me a call at Big Fish Charters (912) 230-4625.