Sebastian and Vero Beach Brings Trophy Size Snook and Trout in May

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

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Out of all the months fishing around the Sebastian and Vero Beach areas, May is definitely on the top of the list as far as diversity. This time of year the water temperature is into the upper 70s and climbing. What makes this time of year special is the inshore, nearshore, and offshore fishing are all very good fisheries moving into the summer months.
Inshore, the snook, trout, and redfish bite is getting better every day. One of the best tactics we use to catch big trout and snook on the flats and under mangroves and docks is to fish the schools of big mullet. It’s important to use big live bait or a fat chunk of cut ladyfish or mullet to entice a trophy size snook or trout. Some anglers will use cut ladyfish or mullet when trout or red fishing, but not as often for big snook. I have personally caught some of my biggest snook ever on the flats using the cut ladyfish and mullet.
Moving offshore the dolphin are super thick and I’m hearing great reports anywhere from 80ft to 350ft. They are getting fish trolling live greenies as well as rigged ballyhoo. There has been a lot of fish between 10 to 20lbs and a few monsters upwards into the 50s. I have heard some reports of getting the occasional wahoo strike while trolling for dolphin in the 250ft range. With grouper in season there are boats that are getting them out on the deep drops and there’s plenty of quality size mango snapper in the 80 to 90ft range.
Sebastian Inlet remains to be hot for snook and reds on the outgoing tides. We have been getting most of our fish on live greenies and pigs. All along the beaches north and south of the inlet there are big schools of greenies. While looking for these schools of greenies you will notice a lot of Spanish mackerel and big tarpon busting at the bait fish. Depending on what style fishing you prefer, there are a lot of options in the month of May, so have plenty of different rigs set to mix things up. That includes this fishing report, and to everyone that booked a charter with me, thank you!
Capt Don