FISHING REPORT: June 18, 2026
Weather/Water Conditions
This week we've continued to see significant temperature increases, with daytime highs consistently reaching the upper 70s and 80s. One thing that has remained consistent this year has been the wind. Between offshore storms and unusual fronts moving through the area, we've seen some challenging conditions on both the bay and oceanfront.
- Water temps are sitting around 68-75°, with a stable to slowly rising trend.
- Wind: Moderate to strong on many days, especially on the bay and oceanfront
- Water clarity: Fair to good depending on location and wind conditions
- Overall conditions: Productive, but timing weather windows has been critical
Keep an eye on the forecast this week. We should have a handful of fishable days mixed in with periods of stronger winds and possible thunderstorms. Several charters have already had to cancel trips recently due to weather, so take advantage of the calmer days when they present themselves.
What's Biting Inshore
The inshore bite has been steady and continues to improve.
- Bluefish – still roaming the inlets and beaches in good numbers, crushing spoons and hard baits
- Flounder – plenty being caught lately, including some quality keeper-sized fish
- Striped Bass – still being picked up around tide changes and during the evening hours
- Spot & Croaker – showing up in strong numbers and keeping rods bent
Most consistent setup we've seen:
- Double dropper rigs tipped with Fishbites and minnows have been producing plenty of spot and croaker.
- Beach anglers throwing paddle tails have been connecting with flounder, while spoons and hard baits continue producing blues and Spanish mackerel right off the beach.
What's Biting In The Bay
The bay has been productive with multiple species keeping anglers busy.
- Cobia – season is officially underway and anglers are finding fish throughout the bay and oceanfront. The first cobia brought by the shop this season was an absolute butterball.
- Sheepshead – still chewing hard around structure and bridge pilings
- Bull Drum – some impressive catch-and-release citation fish are being caught right here in the bay
- Flounder – a few quality fish continue to come from around the CBBT
Offshore reports continue to include:
- Spadefish
- Black Sea Bass
- A variety of bottom species keeping anglers busy when weather allows
Hot Tip:
Don't lock yourself into one bait. The anglers finding the most success lately have been carrying multiple options and adapting to conditions throughout the day.
Best Bite Window
For those trying to time it right, here's when we're seeing the best action:
- Early mornings before the wind begins to build
- Late afternoons and evenings when temperatures moderate and tides begin moving
Tide influence:
- Tide changes continue producing the most consistent action, especially for striped bass, flounder, and drum.
- Moving water around structure has been key.
If you're new, plan your trip around these windows, it'll make a big difference.
Fishing Tips
Shop Recommendations:
What's been working consistently (and what we've got ready for you):
- Fiddler crabs for sheepshead
- Spoons and paddle tails for blues and Spanish
- Paddle tails and mud minnows for flounder
- Frozen bait for bull drum
- Double dropper rigs with Fishbites for spot and croaker
- 3 Deep Customs, Cobia Killer Bucktails, and Gettin Jiggy Bucktails for cobia
- Live eels for cobia
We've got all the rigs, jigs, bait, and tackle you'll need to be successful on the water. Stop by and ask the staff what's been working best, we're always happy to help get you dialed in.
Looking ahead
Heading into next week, expect:
- Continued warm temperatures
- Water temperatures holding in the upper 60s to mid 70s
- Strong opportunities for cobia, bull drum, sheepshead, and flounder
- More Spanish mackerel showing along the beaches and oceanfront
We're still waiting on the puppy drum to make a stronger push into the inlets, but all signs point to that bite improving as the season progresses.
We're expecting the inshore red drum bite to continue building, so now's the time to get your gear ready. Fishing is happening on all fronts right now—pick your weather window and get after it.