Summer ... Big Fish; Big Time May and June were as good as expected. There was plenty of redfish, snook and tarpon in shore and permit and cobia offshore. The bait fish influx was and intense as I have ever seen it. The rains were a bit late, however. This held off the big “she-snook” from moving into the passes. Once the fresh water starts pouring out of the back country, the big slob snook get in their amorous moods and congregate in the passes to spawn. The sight fishing with light tackle and fly was perhaps the best in ten years and should continue through the summer. Well, what do you day about July and August? Want to catch a trophy snook or tarpon. Be here then! July and August, traditionally are some the best months for big fish here in the Park. Most of the tarpon are “full grown” and have settled into a predictable feeding pattern. The snook are the biggest of the year and the redfish are all around. The permit are found regularly in the usual places. Cobia and trout, however, can be a bit small. This July and August, however, should be special. The massive amount of bait that moved into the area combined with the significant new “structure” created by Hurricane Wilma is setting the stage for some excellent fishing. There are literally thousands of dead mangroves washed into open water. While it makes navigating a bit treacherous (running in the dark now is simply an “accident waiting to happen”), it has created some wonderfully new places to fish. It is hot in July and August … hot in temperature and hot in fishing. This is the time for very early morning launches and very late evening trips. The time for the split day … fish early and late with a long air conditioned siesta in the afternoon … just like the fish do. With the exception of possibly permit, the afternoon bite can be flat. July and August is also the time for top water action under a full moon. Some of the biggest snook of the year come off structure feed on a properly “walked dog”. These fish can approach 30 pounds in some areas. July and August is also the best time for the evening tarpon trips … the Gentleman Poon trips…very late afternoon and evenings with an adult beverage and a cigar …anchored in a key place waiting for a big silver dinosaur to launch into the air. July and August also are great times for the kayak angler, while the numbers of fish are not a great as other months, the are much bigger … time for the Nantucket Sleigh Ride!! July and August are obviously popular times to fish. There are some booking opportunities open … Come join us … I love the summer months!!! Tight lines. If you would like to book a trip with Chokoloskee Charters, contact Capt. Charles Wright at 239-695-9107 or email him at [email protected] For more info look on the web … www.ChokolokeeCharters.com or www.EvergladesKayakFishing.com