Quantity or Quality?  May somewhat flies under the radar as one of the better times of year to catch big trout.

Story and photography by Danno Wise

May is somewhat of a bridge month between spring and summer. To that end, it typically offers perfect water temperatures for targeting both redfish and speckled trout.  It’s warm enough for fish to be active but not so hot to be stifling.

However, it is known as a time for trout. This is because May is a time when good numbers of solid trout can be caught in a variety of locations with many different methods. It is also due to the fact there will still be some truly big fish caught on a somewhat regular basis over the next few weeks. Additionally, in many bay systems, anglers realize this is their last best chance enjoy excellent trout action before the heat of summer sets in and pushes most of the specks into deeper water holes and channels for much of the time.

With that in mind, May also usually means the biggest decisions facing trout fishermen is choosing whether to target quantity or quality, along with their preferred tackle and tactics. Both fast action for solid slot fish and catching top end trout are realistic options this month. However, they typically require a little bit different approach. Therein lies the decision.

Numbers Game

For many anglers, it will be all about volume. And, why not? After all, May is a time when it is possible to catch not just huge quantities of trout, but large quantities of very solid slot and even over-slot fish.

Even better, there is no one way, place or bait that dictates whether you catch or not this time of year. In most bay systems, there will be a variety of options for where and how you can get in on fast action for solid trout.

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