Outdoors

Captain's Corner

What's hot: With mid-summer temperatures heating up the water, the afternoon bite has been tough with outgoing tides.

By JIM HUDDLESTON
Published July 26, 2007

What's hot: With mid-summer temperatures heating up the water, the afternoon bite has been tough with outgoing tides. The early rising tide over the next few days will find gamefish becoming more aggressive as the incoming water from the Gulf has fish moving around and hunting. Get an early start to disguise the presentation and get the best chance at top snook spots. Many large female snook will be moving into major passes to spawn because of the upcoming full moon. Larger bait is needed to entice a trophy for the photo album. Be sure to hold the fish horizontally to support the female's internal organs. Heavier rods also help bring the fish boatside quickly. August is a great month for a night fishing trip. The cooler evening weather makes the prime feeding times last longer as the fish are not stressed from midday heat. Watch for the many small schools of frybait that are at the edges of major passes. These bait pods are easy meals for linesiders and a smaller bait tossed into the mix usually gets eaten quickly.

Tactics: Use heavier leader material, such as 40- to 50-pound test, when tackling the 20-pound snook of the passes. Larger baits such as ladyfish and pinfish will catch the attention of 40-inch class fish. A heavier 5000 spinning outfit will have the drag capacity to turn snook away from nearby structures when coupled with a stout 7-foot rod.

[Last modified July 25, 2007, 23:04:44]