05/29/2026
Fishing Report 05/29/2026 🎣
The heat has definitely been turned up to near-summer levels this week. Just like us, fish are seeking cooler temperatures. This means shade, current, or deeper water, depending on the species and situation.
Trout are spread out and moving into slightly deeper water between 4 and 7 feet. Jigs, as well as live shrimp or pinfish fished under a cork, are all producing quality trout. Moving water around the mid-tide period has typically been the best bite window.
Redfish are becoming more structure-oriented, especially during the heat of the day. These fish are seeking protection from the heat and the sharks, so they will be hiding more and moving slower. Look for shade and water that has enough flow to stay well oxygenated. Give them time to eat and offer easy presentations. Live or cut pinfish and shrimp, free-lined or fished on a light knocker rig or jighead, have been best. Small jigs, paddle tails, and shrimp imitations are also productive options.
Tarpon are in good numbers on the flats and near major channels. Live pinfish, grunts, crabs, or small ladyfish, free-lined or drifted under a cork, are hard for a hungry tarpon to resist. Artificials like swimbaits, Catch 2000s, Bait Busters, and shallow-diving twitch plugs can all be effective sight-fishing baits.
A bit offshore, mangrove snapper and grunts are beginning to move in closer. Fish small or halved live shrimp near rocks in 10–20 feet of water. A chum bag can be a big help in creating a good bite and keeping fish behind the boat. Always be ready with a live pinfish or bucktail jig in case a cobia shows up. These fish are notorious for investigating activity.
For those targeting cobia specifically, look for large structure in 15–40 feet of water. Fish both the upper water column and the bottom with live pinfish, shrimp, cut herring, or bucktail jigs. A good chum line is very helpful for drawing cobia in as well.
Snook are a great catch-and-release option right now. Snook are hanging around many of the same areas as the reds, with some fish also holding on deeper structure. Live pinfish, finger mullet, or mud minnows are all excellent presentations, as are jigs, paddle-tail swimbaits, twitch baits, MirrOdines, and topwater plugs. The snook bite is best around the major and minor solunar periods each day.
Grouper are also a good catch-and-release option right now. There are plenty of fish both shallow and deep. Find good structure, and you are likely to find quality gags. Shallow-water gags are particularly fun to target on artificials like plugs and swimbaits.
Drum are plentiful around the Yankeetown area. They can be found around rock islands, channels, and oyster bars, and can often be seen tailing or even swimming near the surface. Live shrimp or crabs work best.
Scallop season is right around the corner! Some early scallop reports have come in, and things look very promising. A few local guides have done some early scouting and are reporting that scallops are plentiful and easy to find, possibly in better numbers than last year. Scallop season opens July 1 and runs through September 24.
It’s the beginning of thunderstorm season, and we are already seeing a lot of storm activity, so make sure to keep an eye on the forecast and check the radar throughout the day.
For those who would like to get out with me on a charter, I can best be reached via message or phone at 352-601-8786.
Be safe and good luck out there, everyone! 🎣
