Snook — out of season but good catch-and-release sportfish
Snook season has come to an end, but catch-and-release action on linesiders remains better than average.
Many snook ranging 20-26 inches are being caught along mangrove shorelines, especially under the bushes during extreme high tide.
Larger fish are mixed in with this bite, although most slot and over-slot fish seem to be staked out in waters slightly deeper.
Live shiners as bait are producing the most consistent action, although pinfish and Spanish sardines are taking fish.
I’m finding early and late stages of the outgoing tides are producing the greatest number of hookups.
Spotted seatrout are present on deeper grass flats — especially in Sarasota Bay.
Fishing deep grass beds north and south of Long Bar are producing limits of slot fish for determined anglers.
Fishing along the Gulf beaches is proving prosperous for those seeking trout. Just remember, the fish are on the spawn, so let those big females go after you get a picture.
On my client’s adventures with Southernaire Fishing Charters, there’s plenty of catch-and-release snook fishing.
Finding new fish to target adds a challenge to the equation. It seems after you fish the same area for snook for a couple of days, the linesiders become wary of hitting a bait, but this can challenge you to search out a new target.
What’s even better is, while on the search, you might stumble upon a newer, bigger batch of snook.
Since it’s May, I’ve been on the lookout for tarpon, although I haven’t seen large numbers of fish.
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge bite seems a little off for this time of year. Also, the dolphins are wreaking havoc on the tarpon fishers, making it challenging to get a bite. There are some small groups of fish along the beach and the same can be said for the flats of Sarasota Bay and southern Tampa Bay.
Capt. Rick Gross of Fishy Business Charters is finding success with live bait in south Tampa Bay.
With unusually high tides occurring during morning hours, Gross is finding snook along the mangrove edges. Casting free-lined live shiners under the mangrove branches is producing action on many 26-28-inch snook. Although snook are now catch-and-release, Gross’ clients are smiling ear to ear after finishing up a rally of snook.
When looking for fish worthy of taking home for dinner, Gross is targeting redfish. These reds are inhabiting the same areas as the snook and, typically, redfish bites occur while targeting snook. Again, free-lined live shiners are the bait of choice. Slot-size reds are finding their way to the cooler to later be filleted.
Finally, spotted seatrout are rounding out the day for Gross. Deeper grass beds in 4-6 feet of water are producing numbers of slot-size trout. Limits are attainable with a little persistence and changing location.
Capt. Aaron Lowman is fishing nearshore structure when the winds are light and the seas calm. On these occasions, Lowman is finding the reef fishing to be bountiful. Limits of mangrove snapper are being reeled up, as well as catch-and-release gag grouper. King and Spanish mackerel also are present around the reefs, which makes for some great light tackle action.
Moving inshore, Lowman is finding redfish around docks and in the canals and along seawalls. Casting live shiners under docks is producing slot-size reds, as well as a few flounder. Determination is key as some docks may only be holding a couple of reds.
Capt. Warren Girle is working offshore when the weather and winds permit. In depths of 40-50 feet of water, Girle is finding a variety of species, including mangrove snapper, catch-and-release gag grouper, kingfish and cobia. All of these species are being taken on live shiners or pinfish. Limits of mangrove snapper are being caught daily, which makes them the most prevalent on the reefs.
Moving inshore, Girle is finding snook, redfish and trout in Sarasota Bay. Catch-and-release snook are being accommodating with some rallies producing more than 20 fish. The same applies for the trout. Limits of these tasty fish are being found in 6-8 feet of water on the grass flats. Mixed in with the trout are Spanish mackerel and ladyfish. And, as for the reds, let’s say they’re being caught here and there. Occasionally, Girle is working schooling fish, but most are spread out in groups of 2-3 fish.
Capt. Jason Stock is fishing offshore with good results on a variety of species. Fishing around artificial reefs is producing good numbers of mangrove snapper and catch-and-release gag grouper for Stock’s anglers. King and Spanish mackerel are coming to the boat, as well as a cobia or two. Live shiners for bait are producing the bite.
Stock also is targeting black fin tuna on days when he can get out to depths of 60-70 feet. By using a Sabiki rig to catch live sardines, Stock is managing to fill his bait well. Once the black fins are spotted breaching the surface, Stock has his clients casting baits, where black fins in the 20-pound range are the average.
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