Captain's corner

By BROCK BLACKMORE

© St. Petersburg Times, published June 14, 2000

The heat of summer is here, and with it comes hot night fishing. One way to have good night fishing is to target catch-and-release snook along beaches.

The best time to target these snook is a few hours before dawn. Artificials, topwaters baits, jigs and a variety of soft plastics will do the trick. Live bait fishermen also do extremely well. The top bait on my list is the scaled sardine; pigfish and grunts are equally productive at times.

The key to catching beach snook is to understand where they are. Almost all snook along the beach will roam the water between shore and the first sandbar. Because the fish are so close to shore, try making casts that parallel the shore. I prefer tackle in the 8-pound range with a 25-pound test leader.

Just about all lighted docks adjacent to Gulf Passes also are loaded with snook. The keys to success include strong tidal flow and paying close attention to what the snook are feeding on. Being quiet also is key because the water normally is calm. Late at night, remember that you are fishing in someone's backyard. Be quiet and respectful while fishing someone else's dock; if you are, he probably will leave the light on for you next time.

When the sun comes up, remember to keep a close eye on the water. Many times these snook can be sight-fished in clear water because of their proximity to shore.

Snook season is closed, so release these spawning fish as quickly as possible.

- Brock Blackmore charters out of Tampa. Call (813) 837-8698.

© St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.

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