Charlotte Harbor fishing report

As we officially begin our summer season, I’ll begin moving a bit north of Pine Island Sound where the bite has been consistent all spring and start to explore the our mangrove habitat around the east wall of the upper harbor. First of all, it’s closer to home and it’s nice not having to make the drive. Moreover, the combination of higher tides mixed with the fresh water from summer rains opens up lots of shoreline that has been pretty low all year. Though, it’s important to keep in mind that you can only go so far back into the backcountry as it’s just too hot and the oxygen content is limited. I do enjoy looking for small tarpon way in the back as they’re one of the only species that also have an air bladder. Two things to keep in mind, fish early and concentrate on shorelines more to the outside. For me, I’ve started using more barbless hooks as it always helps with a quick release as our gamefish have a harder time recuperating in the warmer habitat. For example, especially on the better tides, there are lots of small snook within these shorelines and they do have a tendency to get a bit aggressive and will eat the fly deep. I’ll also tie a weed guard on my flies as it’s important to put the fly up tight to the bushes. You’re going to stick a cast or two into the branches and we definitely want to go in and retrieve them. In many cases, when you get to the fly, you can simply break off the branch behind the fly. Moreover, keep an eye out for mullet, it’s not unusual to find a few snook or redfish tagging along looking for a handout as mullet kick up lots of small prey out of the mud and grass.