Charlotte Harbor fishing report

We’re in our summer pattern on Charlotte Harbor and it’s best to fish early.  The snook and redfish bite has been consistent as the closed seasons allowing only catch and release have helped immensely. It helps to hunt on the lower tides as they’ll gravitate to and under the mangroves with our summer heat. Tarpon are scattered throughout the harbor with smaller juvenile fish hanging tight to the mangroves. It’s not unusual to see larger fish rolling first thing in the morning anywhere around the mouth of the Myakka and Peace Rivers, including bridge structures,  and the deeper holes in the middle of the harbor. The spotted sea trout have been active early when it’s a bit cooler and anywhere in two to four feet is best around grass habitat. Sharks are always around this time of year and it’s not unusual to see them prowling the flats on the higher tides. Blacktips, bulls, and lots of bonnet heads are some of the most prevalent.