The last three days showed improvement in water temperature; as a result the fish started to settle into their normal mid 60's to mid 50's water temperature. Provided we don't get another week like the last one; fishing should pick up substantially. The FWC's emergency announcement about a snook closure until September was warranted; however they jumped the gun and did not think the press release through thoroughly. While telling folks snook season is closed until September one it should have informed the public that snook can still be targeted, but must be released. In saying this it's probably a good idea to target other species leaving time for the snook to recuperate after the severe killing water temperatures of recent.
I've run the last four days in the afternoon and had fairly decent success on redfish and trout. It's a slow bite, almost like dead sticking cut bait. Tail hook a medium to large shrimp using a Daiichi Circle Hook on 20 lb Seaguar fluorocarbon leader, add a small split shot and you're set. If fishing shallow use a lightweight bobber to keep the shrimp about 3 - 6 inches off the bottom. If you work it use a short hopping action letting it sit a couple of minutes after each hop.
Captain Woody Gore is an outdoor writer, photojournalist, and speaker. He also guides fishing charters in the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, and Sarasota areas. Fishing these areas for over fifty years he offers memorable fishing adventures. Capt Woody's website is located at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM or give him a call at 813-477-3814
