Text & Photos by Patrick “Tupat” Eichstaedt // @TheRealTupat 

With warmer waters and higher tides, the summer season is right around the corner. 

Fishing in Warm Waters and High Tides

The weather patterns are starting to become more consistent as well which will lead to more fish being caught! From what I’ve seen, the cobia bite was as hot as ever with rays all over the place providing for some amazing fish. 

As for the backwaters, it has been somewhat slow until the late r part of April with a few days of consistent weather providing some nice trout and redfish. 

What’s Being Caught in the Lagoon?

Mike Gunther (pictured above) of Wisconsin came on a fishing trip with me in early April. His last fish of the day was a slot 27-inch redfish. Mike is an avid fly fisherman and had not used a spinning reel in over 15 years. It’s truly amazing to see people from around the world enjoy our backwaters of Bethune Beach. 

Gregg (pictured above) and Winnick Rubin (pictured below) from upper state New York also enjoyed the backwaters in April and had a two-day trip catching trout, snapper, bluefish and redfish. Day one was filled with tight lines but day two was windy and tough. In the end, Winnick played a beautiful slot redfish on live mullet and was one stoked fisherman! 

Florida Fishing in Summer

As we move more into summer season, the fish will continue to be aggressive and stay hungry. 

Penetrate the spots you trust and you’ve seen fish at and don ’t be afraid to switch up bait. I like using anything live and making sure to stay patient and quiet! 

Until next month… Cast ‘em, Hook ‘em and Catch ‘em!

BEST DAYS TO FISH IN MAY: 1 – 7, 11 – 13, 17 – 20, 24 – 25, 31