This week’s trips were all centered around the morning bite, with most of the action coming along mangrove shorelines. Fishing has been fairly productive overall, and most mornings have produced at least one over slot snook.

The most consistent pattern has been targeting mangroves with bait present, especially when the wind is pushing into the shoreline. Soft plastics continue to get the job done, with 3 inch and 4 inch paddle tails and 3.75 inch fluke style baits producing well. Topwater lures, particularly a Spook Jr., have also been drawing plenty of strikes around shaded mangroves and other ambush points.

There have been good numbers of trout, ladyfish, and jacks mixed in, and I’m also beginning to see more tarpon showing up throughout the lagoon. Bait remains abundant, with large schools of baitfish holding in many areas and helping keep predator fish active.

I’ve also spent some time fishing docks, which have been producing steady action on the same soft plastics as well as artificial shrimp presentations.

With water temperatures continuing to climb, getting on the water around sunrise remains a good idea, both to take advantage of the morning bite and to beat the heat. As long as the bait stays plentiful, anglers should continue to find consistent action throughout the area.