Fishing Forecast: July

July in Southwest Florida turns the heat up on everything, the water, the bait schools, and the fishing. Spanish mackerel are on the move in the Gulf, tarpon are holding deep in the harbor, and snook fishing means catch-and-release until the season reopens. Here's what visiting anglers can expect from both the Gulf and the harbor this month.

The Gulf

Spanish mackerel are the headline act this month, schooling around bait near the bars outside Boca Grande Pass and pushing farther offshore wherever the bait concentrates. Live shrimp and shiners, freelined around active schools, are your best bet.

July also marks the opening of red snapper season, with most success coming well offshore in deeper water, keep an eye on local regulations before you head out, since seasons and bag limits shift year to year.

Gag grouper harvest stays closed through August 31, and greater amberjack remains closed in federal Gulf waters until September 1, so plan your trip around mackerel and snapper rather than bottom fish this month. Gulf water temps near Punta Gorda are running around 85 degrees, classic midsummer conditions that push fish toward early morning and late afternoon activity. Plan your trip accordingly: the heat of midday tends to slow the bite, while the bookends of the day stay productive.

Charlotte Harbor

July puts Charlotte Harbor squarely in summer fishing mode.

Snook are active throughout the estuary, but harvest season is closed from May 1 through September 30, so this is strictly catch-and-release territory for now (one fish per person, 28 to 33 inch slot, once the season reopens).

Tarpon are the other big draw, holding in deeper water at the Myakka River mouth, mid-harbor holes, and bridge areas near Punta Gorda.

Captains here typically start a chum slick to hold sharks, then freeline shrimp or shiners, a tactic that also pulls in Spanish mackerel while you wait for the bigger fish to show.