Archive for April 25, 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
NCsaltaire 