An abundance of bait and steadily improving weather should usher in the spring fishing season. With the strong tides associated with next week's moon, anglers should have their best snook fishing opportunities this year.
For the five months, snook have been lackadaisical in their daytime feeding. However, nothing cures their lethargy better than a well full of greenbacks and a strong set of tides.
Find areas that have decent groups of fish and concentrate your efforts during the first couple hours of the outgoing tide. Likely haunts will be spoil islands and oyster bars. Some fish have even moved out to area beaches. The most important aspect is good tidal flow.
Light tackle, 10-pound spinning gear and a length of 30-pound fluorocarbon shock leader should be plenty, so long as you are not fishing near docks or other permanent structure.
Tossing a few handfuls of pinched sardines is often a good way to incite a snook riot. Be careful not to frenzy up too many terns or seagulls. Their persistent bombardment is enough to shut off a snook bite, especially if the water is clear. At the first sign of an aerial threat, stop chumming.
The next few weeks should produce some of the finest snook action of the year. Why not get out and enjoy it while it lasts?
- 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
