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Tarpon fishing will be a good option in our area during May. Resident fish will move out of rivers and creeks and meet up with migratory fish traveling north and south along our beaches. Tarpon are traveling here to spawn from May through July, gathering in passes along the west coast of Florida — particularly Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor — and heading offshore on full and new moons to spawn. They follow depth contours as they migrate parallel to the beach and are often visible on the surface. Once it’s determined what depth or distance from the beach tarpon are traveling, anglers can set up there and fish with live crabs, baitfish or a variety of lures. Tarpon are often more than 100 pounds, so they require heavy tackle.

Snook will also spawn during this timeframe, moving from rivers, creeks and the bay to passes and along the beaches. They also spawn on the full and new moon phases but do so in the passes instead of offshore like tarpon. They gather in spawning schools in passes or may be sight-fished in the surf or along beaches. Anglers can target snook with live pilchards or lures on spinning tackle or by fly fishing. Walking along the beach with a fly rod and a small white fly or using a DOA Shrimp on spinning tackle are fun ways to catch them.

Tides are higher and baitfish more plentiful on shallow flats as we head into spring. Reds and larger trout should be found in these areas during May. Look for them along mangrove shorelines, around oyster bars or cruising over shallow grass flats. They may be hard to spot over grass, although feeding fish will often be moving, making them easier to see. Anglers using conventional tackle should do well with live pilchards or CAL jigs with plastic tails. Fly anglers will need long leaders and floating lines with baitfish patterns.

There should be a wide variety of species on deep grass flats during May, including trout, Spanish mackerel, bluefish and pompano. Deep grass flats with a good mix of sand and grass and strong tidal flow — often on a point or near a pass — are usually best. Making a series of drifts and casting ahead of the drift with a CAL jig, a DOA Deadly Combo or a live shrimp under a popping cork is an effective way to locate fish. Fly anglers should have success with lightly weighted baitfish patterns fished on a sink-tip line. Live-bait anglers can use a shrimp under a popping cork in the same way. Increase leader strength to 40- or 50-pound test when toothy fish are present.

In addition to tarpon, anglers may also find Spanish mackerel, false albacore (little tunny), cobia or tripletail in the coastal gulf. Look for surface activity such as diving birds, feeding fish or baitfish being forced out of the water to locate mackerel and albies. Cobia may be spotted swimming on the surface, while tripletail are often found near crab traps or other floating debris. Medium spinning tackle and 8- or 9-weight fly tackle will work for most species, although cobia may require heavier gear. Live or DOA shrimp, DOA Baitbusters and flies are effective for all of these species.

May is a great month with plenty of options, both inshore and in the coastal gulf. If targeting large tarpon isn’t your preference, there is still plenty of action available. Full regulations and details for all species can be found at myfwc.com.