Capt. Rick Grassett's Fishing Forcast for June 2009

Tarpon will take center stage during June as they migrate along our beaches. you might also find cobia, tripletail and little tunny in the coastal gulf this month. Reds and trout will feed on shallow flats, particularly early in the day when it is cool, whild snook cruise the surf.

We are fortunate to have some of the best tarpon fishing to be found, right in our own backyard. When tarpon fishing is mentioned, world famous Boca Grande, is the first place that many people think of. However, we are getting shots at many of these migratory fish before they reach that area under much better fishing conditions (less crowded conditions and a steady flow of migrating fish). Tarpon schools will be migrating both north and south along our beaches, heading to areas in Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay where they will gather and rest before heading offshore to spawn.

Snook season remains closed during June, so any snook cuaght must be immediately released. Also since the water is warm now, use tackle heavy enough to land them quickly so they won't be overly stressed. One of the best snook fishing opportunities will be sight-casting to snook in the surf. They will cruise in a "feeding zone" right where the water touches the sand feeding on baitfish and crustaceans being washed up in the surf. the easiest way to target them is to walk the beach with a spinning rod and a handful of plastic baits or a fly rod. Why carry a bait bucket and cast net along the beach when ou can put a few jigs, plastic baits or flied in your pocket and be all set?

There is plenty to do this month. I focus on tarpon during May, June and July, but if you are prepared you may catch several other species while tarpon fishing . If fighting a big, powerful fish such as tarpon is not for you, you could fish snook before dawn and hit the flats for trout and reds at dawn and walk the beach later in the morning for snook and be home for lunch. Whatever you choose to do, remember to always limit your kill, don't kill your limit!