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The first significant cold front has passed through the area and signaled the end of the shallow-water snook season. Typically as water temperatures drop, snook head for creeks and rivers. Residential canals and deep structure offer a last haunt for fish. An especially hot and lengthy summer season is hard to let go of, because it extended the good fishing and recently offered sight-fishing opportunities.
Hopefully the weather warms to above average highs and extends the good fishing - the past several days have been phenomenal. Snook have been prowling shallow sandy areas and have eagerly whacked a sardine anywhere in their vicinity. We have been able to spot groups of snook heading down the shoreline in formation until disturbed.
Despite the many advantages of braided lines, good monofilament makes the difference in catching snook in shallow, clear water. It was frustrating to have baitfish we had tossed out as chum getting blasted out of the water, but we couldn't buy a strike on a braided line. We tried 10-pound monofilament and a light fluorocarbon leader and immediately started catching fish. Light leaders require frequent retying to prevent breakoffs.
A good pair of polarized glasses is essential, and a ball cap helps knock off glare. Stand on the lower deck of the boat as to keep your profile low, especially in areas with heavy fishing pressure. Some people always want to climb the tower or stand on the poling platform, but the higher profile will scare fish. Deck noise must be avoided.
We have forced snook into competitive feeding with the use of live chum. We slightly injure greenbacks and fling them into the fishing area to attract and concentrate fish.
As things cool, places such as the Hillsborough River and the downtown Tampa area can be hot spots. From Lowry Park up to the dam at Rowlette Park is a stretch of river with great potential for large winter snook. But check the tides first, as it is not a good idea to go on a low tide because of limestone shoals and outcroppings along the route. The closer you get to the dam, the more gnarly the rocks get, and stained water all but prohibits any warning of collision. And it is all idle-speed in that part of the river, so the trip takes awhile. This is an ideal day trip for kayakers or operators of other shallow-running vessels.
Typically November is a great month for large trout, but there seems to be a deficit in Old Tampa Bay this year. If it is the result Red Tide or if it is still too warm, who knows? There just seem to be fewer.
Redfish are increasingly abundant. Oyster mounds next to deep water are holding nice fish. Redfish love shrimp, jigs and greenbacks. One bonus of using live shrimp this time of year is the chance at a giant sheepshead, which hang out in the same places as redfish.
- Dave Walker charters out of Tampa. Call 813 310-6531 or visit www.snookfish.com