To snook or not to snook that is the question. Anyone who reads my reports, clients or Captain friends all knows I am addicted to snook. My mentor the famous Captain Billy Nobles got me addicted years ago. So with all the passion, knowledge, experience you would think it would be easy. Saturday with guests Dan and Dave from NY onboard I had one goal and that was to get them on the snook. They fished for redfish the day prior and had success now it was Capt. Steven's turn.
Bait was ok at the Skyway Bridge, we did need to chum. It wasn't long before the live well was full. We head up into Tampa Bay looking for warmer waters in and around the Little Manatee River. I was feeling fairly good on the run over as we had a decent tide along with an approaching cold front that is "supposed" turn on snooks appetite. I was noticing the water temperature that was 65 last week mid bay was 63 not a promising sign.
As we arrived it was clear the water had dropped several degrees which seemed impossible as the last few days and been mild. You see where the report is headed. Yes sports fans it was a struggle at best. Dan and Dave are very good fisherman and made quality casts getting their baits into prime snook zone over and over. It was like pulling teeth the snook just did not want to play. We did manage half a dozen snook, some trout, several flounder and the poor mans tarpon the ladyfish. One ladyfish had to be 25" making numerous jumps and runs including one run into the propeller and trim tabs.
Thursday, Friday and Sunday I had the pleasure of volunteering with Rick Roberts Director of the Snook Foundation at the Outdoor Expo. Take a minute and logon to www.snookfoundation.org or call Rick Roberts directly at 407-302-5550. If you care about snook join today.
Capt. Steven