THE
Fish
Whisperer
June Fishing Forecast
Been a crazy past couple months folks but I would like to welcome you
all back to the island. Hope everyone stays healthy and well. Please
be courteous to others so that we may all be able to keep enjoying the
wonderful things this island and surrounding area provide for us. We would
like to let you know we have upgraded our Vessel for your enjoyment and
this month we got a little contest going on with the Beachcomber, so make
sure you participate.
TYBEE PIER & SURF
Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Whiting, Pompano, Speckled Sea Trout,
Sheepshead, Black Drum Ladyfish, 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.
18 TYBEE BEACHCOMBER | JUNE 2020
Captain
Nick Shreves
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.
INSHORE
Flounder, Redfish, and 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, a twelve inch leader
to a 2/0 to 4/0 Kahle hook, depending on the size of bait I am using. We
also use fishing 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.
OFFSHORE
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 they 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 of the 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.