Snook under the stars has been ok at best the last several days. The wide open bite from just over a week ago has subsided. Snook on the beach has produced better with solid snook 25-30". At On The Mark Charters we pride ourselves on being in tune and in touch with the best Tampa Bay has to offer. Being on the water along with having a good chain of communication with some of the areas best guides is a must.
Keeping a detailed log is also real important, something I learned from Capt. Mike Anderson of the Reel Animals. Knowing how things react to the tides, moon phases, water temperature, water clarity and season is prices less. As professional Captains on Tampa Bay we fish when our clients are ready. We to must be armed and ready to ensure we get the most out of every trip. Before my clients arrive I arm myself with several game plans as the fish gods do not always look kindly on us. Even with many tried and proven spots I always have to keep my options open.
Try new and different areas, I am often asked how did you find this spot. Simple trial and error. I bet for every 10 new places I try I get maybe one new spot, maybe. We all want to run to the same spots over and over but I encourage you all to get creative. If a spot did not work n the winter maybe its good in the summer, a spot that did not pan out in a low tide may in a high tide. While I never explore with clients when it's on my own dime I check out every flat, channel, bay I run near. A good habit when fun fishing is to take a portion of your day and explore. It will pay off in the long run and you will fell a real sense of pride and accomplishment finding new hot spots.
Look for Tarpon and Snook action to pick up with this week's improved 4 tide days.
Capt. Steven
