Charlotte Harbor fishing report

Over the past week, I’ve been exploring the east side of the upper harbor between Alligator Creek and Pirate Harbor. We have been going through a rainy period as the winds have switched around from the west and are bringing lots of tropical moisture in from the Gulf. As expected this time of year, the best time to be out is at first light and it’s actually pleasant for a couple hours. The water is actually pretty clear and I’m not going back any farther into the backcountry than maybe an island or two inside the outer most islands. I am seeing some rollers, tarpon, but they’re not showing all that well and they’re not paying too much attention if any at all to my flies or plastics. I have run into a few groups of redfish as they appear to be grouping up in preparation for the Fall spawn. Moreover, on a positive note, I’m finding decent numbers of small snook which definitely hold promise for the future. Considering how warm our water has been, the spotted sea trout seem to be holding on well out by the outside bar. I’m hoping all this rain cools the water down a bit and helps bring some more tarpon out of the river and creek systems. Time will tell.