Humidity is slowly rising, showers are becoming a daily occurrence, and the heat is on the rise. These are signs that summer is upon us. Summer brings Tarpon invading the beaches and passes, Snook starting their summer spawn, Mackerel chasing bait around the markers, and Permit invading the wrecks offshore. With so many fish to target, where do we start? Snook- Are targeted year round but if you want to get that trophy fish, this is the time of year to do it. Look for the big females to be in the passes, beaches, and spoil islands. The key in the summer is to fish the strong tides. Good tidal flow will flush big schools of bait through the passes and beach troughs where the big girls stage up this time of year. I like to use big thread fins, but greenbacks will work as well.

Tarpon- This is the best time of year for Tarpon. Just like Snook, picking your best tide days will increase your chances for a trophy. Fishing the weeks of the new and full moons will be your best tide flow on the month. I like the outgoing tide best. Pass crabs are my favorite and are easily found flowing out or in with the tide. Big pinfish or thread fins are great bait as well. Best of the rest- Look for Permit to start showing on the wrecks and reefs just offshore.

Mackerel are holding on the deeper flats and markers throughout the bay. Just look for showering bait pods. Cobia will also be circling the markers and buoys through the rest of the summer. Captain Jason Prieto is a native resident of Tampa and has fished Tampa Bay and its surrounding waters for the past 20 years. He is owner and operator of Steady Action Fishing Charters which is based out of lower Tampa Bay.

To book a charter, you can reach him at 813-727-9890 or www.steadyactionfishingcharters.com. If you would like to catch him on the radio tune into Outdoor Fishing Adventures Saturday mornings from 8am to 10am on 1040AM ESPN radio. Tight lines!!!!