Archive for April, 2013
Change It Up For Small Snook
First stop – fishing the Burnt Store Lakes in beautiful Punta Gorda, Florida
I found the Snook in the same place that I left them several months ago. There are many tidal creeks and lakes in Florida that feed directly into the Charlotte Harbor. Fortunately, we have several within walking distance to our Florida home.
Water levels are still a bit low from the non-rainy winter months. But water temps though have remained steady in the mid-seventies all year. Most southwest Florida fish species found in the lakes thrive well at these levels.
My plan was to use my “trusty” Rapula swimming hard bait – alternating between the various depths. I have always had great luck with light colors of green and blue with a hint of white. Seems every species of fish is attracted something with white in it.
I worked the lure many times without even a strike. I moved to both deep and shallow waters with the same results. After several fan casting patterns, I varied my retrieve with short fast jerks then pauses, let it sink and another fast retrieve. Bingo – that was the ticket.
Just as the bait was falling, the fish hit it.
I caught four nice Snook with the largest at seventeen inches. Not trophy size but fun all the while.
So the tip of the day, vary your action. When all else fails, change something – even if it’s just a small part of your presentation. I got into a pattern but once I changed, my success rate improved.
Until next time – Tight Lines, Capt. Tony
Don’t Break the Rules
Never leave fish to find fish. Not sure who first made this statement, but they were right one to a point.
But sometimes, personal commitments dictate your options. In my case, a family member is getting married this week so priorities sometimes take precedence. Now don’t feel sorry for me because the ceremony just happens to be in Key Largo Florida.
OK – now let’s talk about “leave fish” first. The first week on May on the Outer Banks is the transition month. Water temperatures increase as does the migratory species. The puppy drum, sea mullet and my favorite speckled sea trout have moved into our waters. Slot size limits are being caught on piers and bridges. All indications are that this could be a banner year.
Now let’s talk about “finding fish”. Well, I plan to explore the waters on both sides of the upper keys. The Yellow Bait Shop in Key Largo has an assortment of tackle and baits. I fished several sea walls and beaches in the past and plan to repeat the visit and finally, booked a reef trip out of Marathon.
Just to get limbered up, my first stop was Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Islands. I fished several of the Burnt Store lakes in the past with great success for small redfish, Snook and a huge tilapia. Conditions appear to be great to “get into the spirit” and forget about those huge trout and mullet runs on the Outer Banks.
So I am off to Florida and some great fishing. But, hey outer bankers, leave a few trout behind, cause I will be back.
Until next time – Tight lines, Capt. Tony
Homework for Better Angling
Wait a minute, “Captain Tony”, this is a fishing blog, not high school class. What are you doing talking about homework? Well, if you do a thorough job with your homework before heading out, this process will greatly improve your chances for angling success
My good friend, Capt. CA Richardson, once told me that you “catch more fish the night before”. The more you know about your prey and their preferences and weather and water conditions will be the differentiator between a successful fishing trip or just a nice boat ride.
What are some of the things that I check before heading out? First, I check if the target species is in season? What do the local fishing reports show? Is there news from the local piers, beaches, marinas or the various tackle shops? Where have the fish been seen and recently caught. What were the best baits being used. I now have a good idea that my target is at least in our area and is active.
Second, I look at weather conditions. I focus on the sun and cloud cover, air and water temperatures, tides, wave action and water clarity, winds (speed and direction), weather fronts (are they cold or warm, current locations – moving or stationary), barometer reading over the past several days and into my angling day, and finally what are the moon phases and the solunar status for the period.
The final piece to angling is having a little luck. But I always say, “You will change or make your own luck with good preparation”, or in the case of the purpose of this blog – “Do Your Homework for Better Angling”.
If you follow some of these simple tips, your success rate should improve. And hopefully over time, these will help you become a better angler.
Until next time,Tightlines. Capt. Tony
NCsaltaire 