Mid July Return

I have looked at my schedule to find time to return. It appears that I cannot break free again until July 16-20. Looking forward to algae free water and big bites. Y'all go ahead and get those pesky sharks out of the water. Reworking my tackle and bringing enough equipment this time(hoping not to break my reel again).

Does the fish that are around change from month to month or can most of the same be expected? Kings, Spanish, Reds, Jacks and of course Sharks.

Any oddball fish coming in for the summer? I need to fill a freezer.:D

Thanks

Phil

Mid-Summer brings the scaled sardine die-off so there'll be schools of reds and jacks come through to pick them off and Kings/Spanish will make their pre-dawn and/or early-morning occasional appearance. Large Spadefish may be present at the end of the pier and typically there are big schools of mullet that seek sanctuary under the pier near the bathrooms/cleaning station. Mullet won't hit a lure and they'll only occasionally inhale a small piece of bait, but they're fun to catch with a snatch-hook and it's legal. You can purchase a snatch-hook in the pier's tackle store.

On YouTube, there are tutorials on how to prepare redfish and jacks (if you've never kept them before). I don't know if anyone could "fill a freezer", but you can have plenty of fun and probably catch something to take home.

Really important, though -- Make sure that you put on high SPF sunscreen and don't get overheated by the mid-day sun. Some of us have experienced heat exhaustion (characterized by profuse sweating and zero energy) and it's a bit unsettling. Stay hydrated and maybe recharge your batteries during the hottest part of the day.

We usually make a family vacation in mid July. I've never come home empty handed, but each year is a little different.

Don't be afraid to try the surf. Look for schools of fish feeding and birds working the water. Likely bets are Spanish, blues, trout, Jacks, and lots of ladyfish.

Preciate the info. I will probably do early and late 3-4 days during the week. Really will be happy to fill a few gallon ziplocks by the time I leave. I couldn't catch those Spades last month, but willing to give it another go. I will see what I can find on snatching mullet. Could be fun.

... July = TARPON!

I will gladly pay the $61 for a tag if the chance of hook up is real(at least once). I plan on being there all I can, and can build a trip around when they will run. I would be happy catching small ones and releasing them if I had access somewhere. I just like catching fish

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Originally Posted by Pier#r

... July = TARPON!

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I have already seen a lot of rolling Tarpon videos on the FB.
Ritchie posted one this morning.

Speaking of Tarpon.......
what is the exact reg? If you get hooked up with out a tag can you catch and release?

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Originally Posted by Hayes

Speaking of Tarpon.......
what is the exact reg? If you get hooked up with out a tag can you catch and release?

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Yes, of course, what else would you do?

I guess I should have made myself clearer. Is that your only option or can u buy a tag once decked?

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Originally Posted by Hayes

I guess I should have made myself clearer. Is that your only option or can u buy a tag once decked?

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You need to have a tag in hand before landing, i.e. removing the fish from the water.

Buy a tag after the act, how would that work?

I guess I was just asking what the exact regs were concerning tarpon

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Originally Posted by Hayes

I guess I was just asking what the exact regs were concerning tarpon

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It's a good question. You have to buy a tag if your purpose is to fish for and keep a tarpon.

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Originally Posted by Hayes

I guess I should have made myself clearer. Is that your only option or can u buy a tag once decked?

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Purchase the tag first

What is the use of a kept tarpon?

Ive got no interest in targetting tarpon. I just wasnt sure if you get hooked up was it as strict as you need to cut the line or do you deck it and toss it back.

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Originally Posted by Nimakdm

What is the use of a kept tarpon?

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Trophy kept for full pictorial documentation, measurements for potential record, measurements for a replica mount, a full fish Gyotaku print, scales used for artistic purposes and some Islanders think they're a delicacy.

When it comes to food value, I'd be thinking it'd be just like Lady fish fish balls/cakes.

So in other words there's no real common reason to keep one. You can't take measurements / pics without keeping? The record/print I understand though.

And garden fertilizer, cat food, bragging/boasting rights and giving the finger to a particular Ranger.

I saw several tarpon cruising along the beach last July. No interest in lures at all...just kept right on their merry way.

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Originally Posted by ChileRelleno

And garden fertilizer, cat food, bragging/boasting rights and giving the finger to a particular Ranger.

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Gotta be a story behind that one.

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Originally Posted by fordguy

Gotta be a story behind that one.

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There is indeed.

Thanks for all the insight on Tarpon. I would love to catch one but if if it’s not gonna be edible I would rather not get on pier unless I felt it was worthy of being mounted.

so what do they bite?��

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Originally Posted by firewhatfire

so what do they bite?

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You can usually catch them on a live scaled sardine or a live mullet. They'll also hit a variety of large plugs and large plastic baits. I hooked one on a gotcha once and got five jumps out of him before he spooled me.