Hopefully, this is the last cold front of the season.
Stable weather patterns are common in May and will be greatly appreciated when they arrive. Windy conditions did not slow the snook and mackerel action last weekend. On calm days, cobia are appearing more frequently as the water continues to warm.
Snook have moved from the backwaters toward the outside edges of the mangroves. Points and tidal creek mouths will hold several fish grouped together. Since they are out of season, either fishing for other species or flattening hook barbs are very courteous to the resource.
Mackerel can be found in the bay as far north as the Howard Frankland Bridge. They are very cooperative and will bunch up if a chum block is used. The mack bite is usually fast and furious. The school can move on to other areas, so seize your opportunity. Hooks with a long shank are preferred over wire leader. Range markers and bridges are favorite mackerel hangouts. Fight them easy with a loose drag.
Cobia are thick enough to target. No quiver of rods should be without a cobia stick already rigged. Put a heavier spinning outfit in the same rod-holder every trip. The common "eel-type" soft-plastic jig tails get slurped up like spaghetti. A quarter-ounce jig head will offer greater distance and help with accuracy. Look for cobia circling can buoys and range markers. Be prepared for a long battle. They are powerful fish that can be costly on equipment.
- Dave Walker charters out of Tampa and can be reached at 813 310-6531 or at www.snookfish.com
