The fireworks are over and we can get back to fishing. The Lower Keys has some of the best backcountry flats fishing anywhere in the world. The Summer months can get a little warm but so does the fishing. Going early and beating the heat is always recommended or later afternoon. We usually get a little breeze to help cool you down too.
The resident tarpon are always ready to pounce when you find them. The acrobatics of these young tarpon is amazing and put on a spectacular show. Topwater baits are explosive and exciting for these energetic young fish. This is also a great opportunity if you wanted to try and catch a tarpon on a fly since they usualy cooperate when you get it close enough. Artificial baits and flies are what we usually use for these energetic silver princes.
The bonefishing has been some of the best we have had and will continue throughout the Summer. Finding these fish can be like hunting for Easter eggs and just as much fun when you see them. The lighter winds can make it much easier to see these elusive fish swimming on the flats. Casting a live shrimp with a small size 1 to 1/O bait hook along with a small split shot will do the trick. Try to use the lightest split shot you can just to get it out in front of them and not spook them. These fish will spook very easily so you must use stealth a much as possible.
When hooked up don’t rip their lips off setting the hook use your trout set for you northern fisherman and hang on when he runs. You’re not just going to stop this fish when it takes off so don’t even try. Let the fish run and then reel in some line then they will usually run again and do the same thing. Don’t rush these fish and you will see why they are so impressive to catch. Use a good net and try to handle a little as possible. A boga grip or similar will help since trying to handle these fish is like trying to hold a greased pig and you don’t want them going splat on the deck (Not Good!). Keeping these fish healthy is key.
Permit are starting to show up. These are the Holy Grail of our backcountry flats fishing. Using a live crab is usually the best way to catch these elusive fish when given the chance. Live shrimp and artificial baits work too. Fly fishing for these guys is one of the hardest accomplishments to achieve but July offers one of the best months to do it.
Sharks and barracudas are always fun to catch on the flats and can keep anglers busy and active throughout the day. Young anglers always enjoy catching these fun fish too. Using some wire is always key to keep these fish from biting through the line. Cut baits and live baits will work best for these fish. The barracudas will hit plugs and spoons on a fast retrieve the sharks will hit with a slower twitchy retrieve.
Snapper and jacks can be caught in the deeper areas in channels or creeks. Live shrimp, artificial baits and cut baits will work on these too.
Keep safe and be respectful and courteous to other people on the water.