Tarpon are plentiful in Charlotte Harbour right now. Most of the fish are in the middle of the northern section where the water is 15 to 20 feet deep.
They show a lot when the wind is calm, but stay out of sight when the chop is on the water. Our best results come on the morning rising tide fishing black and purple flies deep and slow. Nelson Murakami, owner of Natural Sports in Toronto, brought John and Dave, his managers for a couple of days.John fished the first day when the fish were showing everywhere but only manage to hook one fish. Dave, John's assistant, put one in the air and had another hook-up on day two. Nelson was fishing a private boat and
managed five hook-ups on spinning tackle. The best was a 125 lb. fish that jumped 10 times. Roger Burge, my old friend from Georgia, fished Pine Island Sound earlier in the week and caught a lot of nice seatrout. We did have some good opportunities for small tarpon, but failed to get one in the air. Still, we had a great time trying. Snook are still in and around the passes and feeding well at night under the lights. More opportunities will be available for snook when the wind shifts to an easterly flow and the beaches get calm. Anyday now, I hope.The outlook for tarpon and snook is excellent in the morning and late in the evening. Redfish are starting to show more and more everyday.
Anglers should be watching for cobia, tripletail and permit while fishing their favorite spots. These species can show up anytimg.
I will be in Loveland, Colorado for the FFF conclave from July 26 thru Aug 4, but will be checking my email regularly. Keep in touch.
