Snook In Transition...Hungry

Things have gotten hot in May and Captain Jay Schroeder of CJ Flats Saltwater Charter isn’t just talking about the weather!

Inshore Captain Jay reports the Snook bite has been on fire with Inshore trips producing as many as 50 Snook an outing. Snook are on the flats and transitioning to the beaches in preparation for heading offshore to spawn. These fish have been cooped up all winter long, so as the water temperatures rose the last few weeks, the Snook have emerged and they are hungry. White bait has been the key in effectively targeting Snook in along the Suncoast. Captain Jays states you can use artificial lures, but nothing beats a free-lined white bait on a 1/0 circle hook. Focus on choke points during the moving tide and along the mangroves on the high end of the tide. It may take a few chummers to coerce the Snook from out of the mangrove roots, so take time in finding bait and loading up the live well. Just remember Snook are catch and release only until this time of year, so handle them gently and get them back in the water unharmed.



While targeting Snook along the docks, Captain Jay reported running into a mix of Sea Trout, Redfish, Jack Crevalle, Mangrove Snapper, and Grouper all taking the white bait intended for Snook. This mix has provided several beginner anglers over the past few weeks the opportunity to capitalize on an Inshore Slam. And for those who might want to bring home a little something for dinner, Captain Jay stated the Mangrove Snapper have been well sized and provide wonderful table fare for those fishing aboard the Ms. Guided.



Nearshore, in the passes and around the bridges, Tarpon have been the main focus. Captain Jay reported spending a few days in Boca Grande in conjunction with the full moon targeting Tarpon in the Pass and along the beaches. The early morning incoming tide provided the best opportunities for jumping a Silver King. The lull in the middle of the day was met with some phenomenal sight fishing in the bay, and the big outgoing tides in the afternoon never disappointed. Captain Jay stated things were a bit slow to start and the Tarpon were definitely on the move. Conditions will only get better over the next few weeks.

For more information or to book your next saltwater adventure along the Suncoast, contact Capt Jay Schroeder with CJ Flats Saltwater Charters at 1-877-463-4520 or email reservations@cjflats.com.


Capt Jay Schroeder
CJ Flats Saltwater Charters
www.cjflats.com
1-877-463-5420