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What's hot: While fishing the shallows of St. Joseph Sound, anglers might have the opportunity at larger game fish that are roaming the flats. The most common species is the bigger snook that moved in with this last full moon. Most of these linesiders are found along the beaches, where the current runs strongest, and around points and passes. Though these protected species are for release only, catching a trophy snook along the Gulf Coast is common in July.
Tactics: The schools of redfish are great until the stronger tides recede. These bruisers are averaging about 10 pounds and holding with schools of mullet. A live pinfish tail-hooked has been most productive when the fish are on the move. Be sure to lead the school and not cast on top of the tight ball of redfish. It will scare them. Roaming close behind the reds have been some huge sharks. Blacktips and bull sharks of 5-8 feet are crashing these schools on the outgoing tide. Heavier spinning tackle can be a blast as anglers fight these 100-plus-pounders in 3 feet of water.
Shark fishing: For larger shark fishing along the flats, anglers need to use a standard rig: 60-pound braid attached to 100-pound leader tied into a 24-inch length of wire with an 8/0 circle hook. This setup works best with the heavier spinning gear as some sharks take to the air and the rod acts as a buffer to the blazing runs.
Jim Huddleston charters out of Tampa, Palm Harbor and Clearwater and can be reached at (727) 439-9017 or at jim@captainhud.com.
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