May Fishing

Don't remember a month of May that was this bad for fishing. Winds have been relentless with even the early morning calm available only once a week or so. East shorlines are constantly pounded by fishing activity and it's best to leave the flyrod at home.

Of course, we can't get outside on the beaches so the search for the last schools of big Jacks has not gone well. We've been largely relegated to the inlet when the winds dies down enough and there are Jacks about but these are the feeding adolesents in the 5 to 8 lb. range. On the occastion when we can squeeze out a few hours to go outside it seems the bait has been in short supply and fishing is very spotty.

Ocean water temperature can't seem to get out of the 70's which is paramount for baitfish and and their suitors. Indian River and St. Lucie River water temps have been consistantly in the upper 70's and lower 80's and water quality is generally good. This is good news for grass beds and there is visible evidence of much needed growth.

Inside fishing is tough and wind restricted but northerners usually depart satisfied after catching a few Snook, Jacks, Spanish Mackerel, Grouper, Trout or Snapper. During the past week we've fished for Tarpon every morning at daybreak and had plenty of rollers but only one catch. The Manatee are always a good side show and sometimes insist on being distractingly friendly.

Springtime Snook

It's time for Snook to begin feeding and heading for the inlets and that's exactly what is happening. Water temperature is in the low 70's and the days are getting longers as the snook have sensed their need to prepare for spawning. Crab patterns are especially productive this time of year as the spring crab hatch is encouraging snook to watch for something brown swimming slowly in the current. Although the DOA Terroreyz is shaped like a fish, there is little doubt that snook and tarpon see it as crab when presented with the rootbeer colored morsel. And crabs, too, work very well. Expecially the small ones. The key is to present the bait properly to feeding fish. Snook feed in the current and especially where there's a shadow to protect them from the bright sunlight. Crab can be a good pattern anytime, but it's especially good in May.