SWFL Fishing Forecast for June, 2021

Rain come out and play, the water is super clear out on the bay. Some of the toughest conditions to fish on Charlotte Harbor is crystal clear water. If you want to add another level of difficulty to this? Lets toss in some clear blue sky’s with no wind. Well that’s what we are dealing with until mother nature sends some rain our way. The great thing about fishing clear water conditions you can see the fish that your fishing. The hard part about fishing clear water conditions? Well the fish that your targeting can see you also. It’s very tough as a fisherman not to just take a little peek to see if any fish are in the area. I know from experience that this will normally put those fish on high alert, or just blow them out. I also still make that mistake, because the waters clear and I like to see the fish.

Well folks here’s some do as I say, not do as I do for clear water fish. I know its hard not look to see if fish are in the area your fishing. I recommend setting up a littler further away than normal. Try to make longer cast to the area your fishing. It is always easier to get a little closer, than it is to back away. Also set up with the tide to your back, so you can slowly drift up if needed.

Over the years with technology we have become lazy fisherman. We I say lazy we depend highly on our little gadgets that make things easier for us. Trust me, I am one of those anglers. If you have a push pole or stick it pole use it to make small adjustments. I also will set my power poles half way down to reduce water splash. Any little thing will help to not make spooky fish more nervous. If you don’t have a power pole, tie your anchor off and put in the water and stand on the rope. When you have your boat in position lift your foot, no splash!

As more anglers fish our waters we have to evolve as anglers, because our fish are evolving due to fishing pressure. Another often looked over tactic is down sizing your tackle. Most anglers think they have to have 30# braid, and 40# leader. Well you can fish that way, with a lot less bites. If you down size your line and leader you will get a lot more strikes. Yes, you probably will lose a few fish due to lighter line. I just think, if you don’t get the bite your never going to have a shot at catching that fish to begin with. Dropping down 10# will give longer cast and less visual in the water. Also contrary to popular belief high visibility line, is lower visibility in the water. In this clear water colors like moss green stick out like a sore thumb to fish. Most of our predators like snook feed up. The darker lines can be seen much better. Also don’t be cheap on your leader. Spend a little extra money and buy fluorocarbon. I hope these small tips will help put a few more fish in your boat. As we approach our rainy season remember to keep an eye on the sky.

If you would like to experience some of Charlotte Harbor’s finest fishing give me a call or send me an email. All of our trips are private and customized to fit you and your party’s needs.

You can also follow me on Twitter @ backbayxtremes for daily and weekly updates.

Capt. Dave Stephens
941-916-5769

Captain Dave Stephens * (941) 916-5769 * Back Bay Xtremes * PO Box 510746, Punta Gorda FL 33951

Flats Fishing Charters for Charlotte Harbour, Punta Gorda, Florida