Spring Transition
If someone were to ask me “What is the best month for fly fishing in Florida?" I would have to say May is one of the top contenders for a whole host of reasons. The most important being that it is the onset of Tarpon Season and if you know me, you know I love the challenging fight of bringing in these respectable beasts of the sea. May is a bit more consistent in its weather, with air temperatures hovering in the mid 80’s during the day and decreasing to the upper 70’s at night. This seasonal change in the air translates to the ocean as our water temps rise, triggering the Silver King to start his migration to dispersed spawning grounds.
Tarpon fishing is on most avid fly anglers’ bucket lists because of the unique strength, endurance, and acrobatics the fish possess, and opportunity arises as these schools migrate throughout the coastal waters during the early summer days. Sight casting to these large fish is one of the greatest thrills to be achieved with a fly rod and this is the season where most anglers have ample opportunities for the rush, but having the right flies is critical to ensure success. Flies like the Tarpon Seaducer, Novicane Worm and the Night Stocker can be great options for the fly box when pursuing these Silver Kings.
Not only is the month of May ideal for tarpon, but also for all of the gamefish such as snook, trout, redfish, and jacks. Baitfish populations are increasing and large schools of bait-from mullet to pinfish, pilchards and more-can be found across the flats. The backcountry bays are also heating up with a variety of gamefish that call Florida waters “home".
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Predatory fish can be seen chasing some of the many varieties of baitfish up and down the shorelines and knowing about the popular prey and the timing of their migrations makes choosing the right fly important when targeting your gamefish of choice. Presenting the EP Baitfish and the Crooked Looker in the midst can often draw a reaction bite, so start preparing now for the coming season of summer and make sure you have the right flies ready to be cast into the action.
Photo By: Capt. Owen Armstrong