6/22/2025

Birds Eye View: Not exactly dog days but with water temps in the 90s in the backwater and main river water in the low 80s things inshore fish are spread apart and action comes early. Offshore continues to be the name of the game for consistent action for striking species. Early last week signs of a cold water upwelling were starting to shape up, I can say with full confidence it is here now. A cold water upwelling occurs when surface winds continually push the same direction causing the warm surface layer to be pushed away from land and cold water from the deep replaces it. Sometimes dropping the temperature 10+ degrees in just a few days. While these can slow fishing down they are essential for the health of our local fisheries. This water from the deep is filled with important nutrients that fuel plankton growth which in turn creates fat happy baitfish.

Inshore: Inshore fishing remains an option. Early starts are absolutely key to avoid the heat of the day as well as pop up rain and thunderstorms.

Redfish action has been very slow. Haven’t seen much of them but focusing on early morning ICW mud flats early and swapping to the river/inlet would be the name of the game.

Trout fishing early morning lures would be the most legitimate. But weeding through the jacks, ladyfish and bluefish could be a challenge.

Flounder seem to be happy with the cold water coming in. Getting plenty of reports from the inlet and docks near the inlet.

Mangrove snapper action in the main river isn’t on fire, but is the best bet for some take home meals.

Offshore:

Sardines and cigar minnows havebeen willing to jump in the livewell. I have noticed some schools of bait arent being as cooperative as others. Even on places that get hit less than where i’m finding the easiest bait. I am not sure the rhyme or reason. Some of the tricks i’ve been using to convince the better than average sized bait in those tougher schools is adding more or less weight depending on where the bait is hanging around in the water column and using small #6 sized sabiki rigs.

Pogies have been around but most of them are giant and to big for “Charter” Kingfish, but im sure the amberjacks and tournament king fisherman are loving them. In the cold water the menhaden tend to be faster moving which translates to harder to net bait. But if weather becomes a factor and staying close to land is the only option throwing the net is still viable.

King Mackerel action has been consistent. While not red hot the bite is shaping up nicely. Ive been fishing both main structure and small pieces of structure near larger wrecks and artificial reefs. Good reports from 50-100’ have been flowing in.

I am seeing more Cobia mixed in than May and first part of June. While more prevalent catching keeper fish can be down right tough at times. Most of these are going to be following Bull sharks this time of year. Speaking of sharks they were getting aggressive until the cold water hit. when the water temp drops so do the tax rates.

With news of the cold water upwelling the snapper and grouper species are the most affected. Reports from a dive boat said water on the bottom was 5’ visibility and 50*! Can’t say I blame them for taking it easy. Amberjacks cobia and African pompano tend to like these more than everything else, or it just forces them to the surface making them easier to catch.

Closeout: Summer fishing is here and so are the fish. Bookings are filling in more and more if you’ve been waiting to book, now is the time!

Trip Log:

To Be Filled Out