The big Snook of summer have made their way to the beaches and fishing has heated up. From Anclote Key to Clearwater Beach, some of the largest Snook of the year are waiting to be caught. Although finding these fish is easier than catching them, following a few simple rules will heighten your chances of putting one of these trophies in your boat. First, Snook are somewhat of a nocturnal fish, so fishing for them in the lower light periods of dawn and dusk can often times be more productive. The other key is moving water, preferable a strong outgoing tide. If you really want to stack the odds in your favor, look for when a strong outgoing tide coincides with a low light period and you should hit pay dirt. These big fish like big bait, so gather up a good arsenal of large whitebait, grass grunts, ladyfish and shad (if you can find them). The only ingredient left is a little patience. If you’re in the right place with the right bait at the right time, be prepared to sit for a half hour to an hour. Fish will likely turn on at some point. When they do, you may be in for some fast paced action for 15 minutes or so before these fish decide that the feeding period is over.
Redfishing in May was nothing short of spectacular. Typical fish counts were a dozen to twenty fish on days with the stronger tides. The majority of these fish measured twenty two to twenty six inches although a few over slot fish were caught. Most of these fish were caught up in against the mangroves on the higher tides. Whitebait, both whole and cut, has been the bait of choice. Two presentations proved most effective. In areas where fish were spread out, a “bobbered” whitebait was floated down a mangrove line or across a flat. This approach was effective as it covered a fair amount of territory. With the right wind, you might have a bait travel thirty feet right down the mangroves. Eventually, it would drift in front of a “fishy” location and be eaten. A side benefit to this approach is that an occasional Snook will make an appearance to eat one these “floated” baits. Once fish were located in any kind of concentration however, split-shotted cut whitebait was used. Cut baits will typically out fish a live bait in this scenario as it’s easy for the fish to catch up to this bait. Also, pinfish pick at these baits as they sit on the bottom, drawing a lot of attention to the area for any redfish that might be in close proximity. Quality redfishing should continue through June. On the weaker tides, an occasional visit to proven docks is worth the effort. Always split shot your baits in this situation for added casting accuracy as well as to hold your bait in the spot you throw it. A free swimming bait and / or strong current can turn a great cast with an un-weighted bait into just another snag.
The large seatrout fishing of our winter months has just about concluded. An occasional stray gator shows up but, for the most part, these big trout have gotten a lot more scarce. Smaller fish are, and will be, available in good numbers all summer on the flats, but catching the big boys will be difficult…best to concentrate on the great Snook and redfishing we have now. If you’re desperate for a big trout, you might find a few hold outs in the outside swash channels.
For those of you looking to pull on something large, tarpon have moved into our area, although only occasional schools have been sighted running the beaches. The word is that Bellair and Sand Key Bridges are starting to hold some fish. If you are intent on hooking into a silver king in the next few weeks, plan on heading south to The Skyway Bridge or Boca Grande to maximize your odds. Both areas are reporting excellent numbers of fish right now. Also, as our weather warms, shark fishing should continue to improve as well. Night fishing with larger cut or whole baits is a highly effective method of hooking up with these powerful, toothy fish.
For those of you interested in getting out on the water, there are still some excellent tide days available in June. They are the following: 3rd, 4th, 5th, 16th, 17th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd. Call 727 421-5291 if you want to secure one of these day. Good luck and good fishing.
Good luck and good fishing.
Captain Stewart Ames
US Coast Guard Licensed Captain
Member Florida Guides Association
www.tampa-fishing-charters.com
sames001@tampabay.rr.com
727-421-5291
© 2007 Captain Stewart Ames, Gone Fishing Charters, Tampa, FL
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