Light winds and periodic showers should make for a good week on the flats. Larger schools of migratory Tarpon have been seen moving from the Atlantic side of the islands into the basins just off the flats. They have been a little picky this year causing many captains to change flies quite often to satisfy their appetites. 

Paying close attention to what the Tarpon are feeding on will help you find a good matching pattern or bait…ie… crab, mullet, etc.  Most have been rolling in deeper channels just off the flats with the Atlantic Ocean side holding most of the fish. Try using a sink tip or stealth tip if you plan on taking a shot at these guys in deeper water. 

The worm hatch has been light or not at all from most reports. This could mean the worms could start moving any day as we get closer the new moon. When the palolo worms do show up, look for the Tarpon to be gorging themselves and packing the channels between the islands. Hungry Bonefish and Permit have been seen roaming the flats in good numbers. 

Many Captains have been reporting large bonesfish ranging from 8-11lbs. Just about any shrimp or small crab pattern if presented right will trigger a strike. Be sure to keep an eye out for nervous water or wakes pushing across the shallow flats. On days with low light or sun hanging low in the sky, try looking for puffs of mud as well. This is usually a sign of hungry fish digging for food. There will be a lot more boats out on the flats this time of year, so be courteous and careful.