The attention given to planning and preparing for a fishing trip often can be seen in the result. Evaluate several pieces of information before formulating a plan. Be flexible; the unexpected can often be the opportunity of the day.

While planning a snook trip, the first thing to check is tides. A tide that goes out early, turns and comes in the rest of the morning is good. Water movement is critical for the snook to feed. A chart showing moon phases and best tides reveals that between the full moon and the third quarter, snook feed best on the outgoing tide. Finally, solunar tables show a minor feeding period mid morning. Combine this information with the weather and the wind.

Several factors coincide. Fishing the last part of the outgoing tide with a minor period and an easterly breeze seems perfect. But being so close to the full moon may create a glitch.

After all the textbook information, rely on experience. Reading the conditions and knowing how and where to find fish make a trip successful. Understanding the paperwork helps to dial in the bite and not ride around while the fish eat.

If you wait for all the variables to come together in perfect alignment, you will never go fishing. The best way to catch fish is to be out fishing.

-- Capt. Brent Gaskill charters the Summer Vacation out of St. Petersburg and can be reached at (727) 343-1765 or by e-mail at gaskill@tampabay.rr.com.

Back to Sports

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright

From the Times sports desk

Quietly, another legend takes his farewell tour

Later, Gators: 'Canes nab No. 1

The Leaf experiment ends

Sampras fends off age and Rafter

Cards' Smith no-hits Padres

Fast rise surprises Sandberg most of all

One run to tie, one to lose it for Rays

Red flag jumbles order, irks several

Rafter unsure if rest will be permanent

Rays to be frugal with their callups

Wesley Chapel wins opener

Sloppy UCF proves coach right

College football around the state

Mueller, Terriers look to improve

Practice reports

Fire alters outlook for golfer, Warhawks

Daily fishing report

Three brought back for practice squad

From the wire

From the state sports wire Jacksonville's Spicer placed on IR after leg surgery
FIU-Western Kentucky game postponed because of Jeanne
Brown anxious to face old team for first time
Dolphins' desperate defense readies for Roethlisberger
Former Sarasota lineman sheds tough-guy image with Michigan
Rothstein rejoins Heat as assistant
No. 16 Florida has history on its side against Kentucky

FSU and Clemson QBs both off to slow starts