It seems that the more kayak fishing trips that Sun Coast Kayak Sport Fishing clients take lately - the more huge Snook they are encountering. From southern Tampa Bay down through Sarasota we have seen some of the biggest Snook we have seen in a while and they are very accomodating under the right conditions. The last of the incoming and the beginning of the outgoing tides have been spectacular for big Snook moving through deep cuts and channels between mangroves and shallow grass flats. Once spotted a well placed pilchard or jumbo shrimp that will float back towards the Snook on the tide is all it takes usually. Snook are all catch and release right now so circle hooks are used exclusively for the ease of release and minimum damage to the fish. Some small schools of very big Redfish have been sighted and fished with success in these areas too over the past week. Over slot reds have been targeted and released along mangrove lines adjacent to shell and sand bottom. Other fish encountered in these situations has been nice sized Mangrove Snapper, Sheepshead, Black Drum, and too many Spotted Sea Trout to count.
Night Fishing continues to be very good. Big Snook, Redfish, Sea Trout, and Snapper are everywhere it seems and you can't go wrong fishing the dock lights along the ICW from Anna Maria down through Venice for the best action. The areas closest to the passes are holding the biggest Snook right now but tons of Snook in the 24" to 26" range are available throughout the range making for some amazing catch and release action.
Tarpon fishing is steadily improving after the recent bad weather we experienced here in south Florida. The forcast looks perfect for Tarpon throughout the week and hopefully the 'Poons will co-operate and school up for a solid bite. Currently good action can be found but it is mostly chasing singles and doubles.
