Night fishing is addictive; I typical am an early to bed person but when its time to night fish the adrenaline kicks in. Tampa Bay has incredible night opportunities, whether fishing the Intercostal, passes or any of the many canals. Our trips typical trips starts 2 hours before sunset catching bait then picking up the clients in time to watch a beautiful sunset. It's a magical time as the skyline comes alive with dancing lights. Weather typical is not a consideration as in most cases you can find canals protected from the wind. Trick is finding a dock near the calm and protected waters. My bait of choice is white bait but when the open waters are choppy and catching bait is not feasible there are numerous options. Live shrimp from the local bait shop along with a selection of soft plastics and sinking twitch baits in white bait colors will do the trick. DOA GLO shrimp and the MirrOlure's MirrOdine are always Capt. Steven first choice.
Casting at night takes some getting use to; I recommend all my clients toss jigs and baits underhand.
Gently toss the bait up current and allow it to drift through the target area. Stay alert; be ready as snook will show you a bad time once hooked as they almost always go into the dock pilings. Fluorocarbon leaders 30 to 40 pounds are a must, check for frays after every fish don't learn the hard way what it?s like to lose a monster snook. The strike and first few seconds are explosive; you will never forget what this feels like.
Last night was no exception as snook, trout and snapper eagerly attacked our offerings. The trout bite we are on has steadily produced very fat trout the last month. These fish have made an incredible recovery from the red tide kill a few years back. Winter trout fishing should be spectacular!
Do remember when fishing residential canals especially on week days be respectful to homeowners. Another important reminder should you snag underwater lights cut your line at the rod don?t take the chance of ruining the owner?s expensive lights.