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Tropical Storm Henri may turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Henri limited much of the fishing pressure traditionally associated with the first couple weeks of snook season, and it helped keep the water temperature in the low 80s. Plenty of large whitebait has been available on the flats surrounding Anclote Key and Three Rooker Bar. On calm days, bait has been easy to locate: it sprinkles on the surface. If there is too much wind, starting a chum slick in 4 feet of water should produce.
While some snook will stay off the beaches the next couple of months, others will be in a transitional mode because their spawn is over. Many will take post near river mouths and canal outlets in anticipation of the fall. Structures near such locations should lead to success, especially on strong outgoing tides.
The limit for snook on the gulf is one per angler, 26-34 inches.
The season finally has returned, and it looks promising. Though some of the fish have scattered in the wake of the storm, they soon will go back to their usual haunts. By the time you find the snook, they should be quite ready to eat.
- Capt. Pete Katsarelis charters out of Tarpon Springs and can be reached at 727 439-3474 or by e-mail at pkatsare@helios.acomp.usf.edu