For many anglers, the final days of June traditionally mark the beginning of the end of the tarpon fishing season. This is the time that big spawning pods break up into small groups and singles. While all seasons vary to some extent, this season has been very unusual. Weather has played a major factor with two fronts and heavy rains reportedly moving fish offshore. Add to that the persistent south swell and south/southeast winds that made fishing challenging especially for fly fishers fishing the shallow pass bars.
Rick Richards of Sarasota fished the Sarasota Tarpon Tournament with Capt. Carson Stipcich (Blackdog Outdoors) of Bradenton and walked away with top honors in the event. The 95th annual tournament took place from May 10 to June 15 and was followed by the Fish-Off weekend on June 21. The tournament wraps up on July 10 with the awards banquet.
According to Richards, fish definitely seemed to move offshore with the fronts this summer. He even had several reports from captains of large schools far offshore.
Capt. Colby Hane, a seasoned local fly fishing guide, related much the same information, crediting a trio of factors that happened in June to create challenging fishing. The Yucatan swell, officially named Invest 91L, built in the Bay of Campeche off Mexico in early June and the swell it generated affected Florida’s Gulf coast for most of the month. Added to that was the first big rain event of the season and the Saharan dust, which Hane credits to driving the fish offshore. And while it has been a challenging season for him, there have also been some very productive days.
“It’s been all over the board. On tough days we had a total of maybe six shots while on the best days we had up to double digit bites,” he said. Hane also thinks increased boat traffic has contributed to driving the fish into deeper water.
Whatever the case, there are still tarpon around and the wind and swell have moderated over the last 10 days. It seems even the weather radar can’t get it right, so plan to fish as the old saying goes “whenever you can.” Dedicated fly fishers actually prefer late season fish because schools break up and individual fish can be more easily targeted.
One final very important point. While it should be a no-brainer, be respectful of fellow anglers. With increased boat traffic, if anglers aren’t considerate of others, everyone loses. Give other fisherman some room, it’s a big Gulf out there.
