As we reach the half way point of May, Charlotte Harbor has opened up with plenty of options. I’ve moved my way out of Pine Island Sound and have been spending all my time along the upper east side of the harbor. This, the Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park always starts to fish well as we get away from the low negative tides of fall and winter. As I fish a small technical poling skiff, I keep away from the harbor’s open water and spend all my time in the backcountry. Here, there is truly a labyrinth of mangrove island shorelines, cuts, and tidal creeks. In addition, I can explore from Punta Gorda all the way south to Matlacha. As with this winter, the spotted sea trout bite has remained consistent. Furthermore, we’re throwing flies and soft plastics to redfish and snook on many shorelines with plenty of sight casting opportunities. Too, we’re starting to see more tarpon as many of the migrating fish are making their way into the harbor and moving along the bar that separates the east side from the open harbor. Typically, we’ll look for tarpon early in the day and then make our way into the back country when the wind kicks up later in the morning.
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