Another cold front arrived just in time for the weekend. Wind definitely complicates fishing. There are areas and tactics that make fishing in the wind productive, but most of all it takes determination and desire.
Backwaters and creeks are a great place to find shelter from bad weather. These are also great places to catch fish right now. Snook are on the prowl and are moving through tidal creeks and mangroves in search of food.
Anglers can have great snook action without venturing into open water. These remote spots often restrict deep-draft vessels and generally do not have much boat traffic. Although I have caught snook right out of the prop wash, remote spots usually offer the best opportunities.
Live pinfish, greenbacks and shrimp are the baits of choice. Soft-plastic jerkbaits are also deadly.
Be careful to limit noise. A loud foot stomp after a missed fish is a common mistake, and while handling a nice fish is exciting, if you want to keep the bite going you must be quiet.
Drift-fishing the flats for trout is another option when the weather doesn't cooperate. On especially windy days a section of rope tied to a bucket works as a drift anchor. This method slows your drift and won't harm sea grass.
- Dave Walker charters out of Tampa. Call 813 310-6531 or e-mail www.snookfish.com
