Snook on the mind

Catching A Monster Snook

 

Tighter harvest limits have allowed more linesides to reach lunker size throughout South Florida. Here's your yearlong guide to tangling with one of those big fish! (March 2010)

By Frank Sargeant, Projects Editor

 

Catching a snook of any size is a somewhat elusive accomplishment -- many who have fished Florida for years have never pulled the first linesider to the boat. That's not because snook are scarce, but simply because catching them is a specialized pursuit. Plunk a dead shrimp on bottom off a pier and you could sit there until the first notes of Gabriel's Horn sound before you're likely to reel in a "snuke," as old Cracker anglers called the fish.

Snook like Steve Furry's 44-incher are often tough to locate and even harder to boat. Photo by Frank Sargeant.

On the other hand, if you round up a few live sardines, find a mangrove point where there's a good tide running and a deep hole right at the tip and drift those silver minnows out there on a fly-weight hook and 10-pound-test microfiber line, odds are you'll promptly be tangling with the fish some have called "largemouth bass on angel dust."


Catching a lunker snook, though, is a challenge for even the most skilled angler. As in catching big versions of any species, there's always some luck involved. But as in many things, the smarter you are and the harder you work, the luckier you get. That's true for catching truly big snook, according to most pros that specialize in the pursuit.

Hunter's safety course

Interested in taking a hunter's safety course or bow hunter's safety course.   Check out this link to the FWC for more information on courses in your area and which course is best for you.

http://myfwc.com/SAFETY/Safety_hunt_safety_which_program_right_you.htm

Next Dates for Fort Lauderdale gun show

The next dates for the Fort Lauderdale gun show are November 27th and 28th.  At the War Memorial Auditorium  800 N.E. 8th Street Ft. Lauderdale FL, 33304

Florida Small Game Hunting

Florida small game hunting areas and regulations brought to you by the FWC.



Florida has a wide variety of small-game hunting opportunities. However, many people simply do not know the best places to go. This web page was designed to give individuals an idea/recommendation of the best places to small-game hunt in Florida, and provide general small-game hunting info.

To find specific areas and the regulations for those areas or species you are looking for follow this link. 
http://myfwc.com/recreation/Hunt_Small_Game.htm

Stuart Florida Fishing report

This is a recent fishing report for stuart florida by Capt. Bob Bushholz.

STUART FLORIDA FISHING REPORT
November is a special month for anglers along the Treasure Coast bringing several changes in our area. The water temps slowly begin to drop into the mid 70’s. Also the mullet run which began in September comes to an end. This time of year we begin to see an increase in our winter and spring species of spanish mackerel, pompano and bluefish.

Spanish Mackerel are always a blast on light tackle. Last season, we had severel mackerel trips resulting in over 100 fish caught.I fish 10 lb test but you can go as light as 2lb.Normally I use a 30 lb mono leader starting about 3 feet in length. After each fish, check your leader as mackerel will fray them. Cut off an inch or two and retie. This long leader will allow you to hook more fish before replacing it. When the macs are really thick, I will switch over to about 8" # 3 wire. There are several areas inshore that seem to hold more fish, but without a doubt the main concentration will be found outside along the beaches out to about 30 feet of water. Normally the motherload will be found around Peck’s Lake which is located about 2 miles south of the St. Lucie Inlet. Some days this area will hold fish as close as 10 feet from shore. There is a shallow reef that runs north to south about 200 yards out from the beach in about 6-8 feet of water. Be aware of this area. Even on calm days this reef can create swells that are capable of flipping boats over. Seems every year a few boats will fall victim. If you are fishing on or just inside (west) of the reef, avoid sitting sideways (north-south). I normally will stay away either fishing outside (east) of the reef in 18 to 25 feet or close to shore. Mackerel will hit a variety of baits. Anything shinny will work. Silver spoons, flashy minnow jigs, Capt. Joe’s Jigging Spoons along with tube lures and shrimp tipped jigs. If you decide to anchor up, bring along a box of silver sides or glass minnow chum. Toss small amounts every couple of minutes to get their attention and cast and retrive through the area. When trolling, I suggest staying outside the reef in 20 - 30 feet where there is less boat traffic. Spanish Mackerel regulations are 15 per person with a 12 inch min.They normally run between 1 to 3lbs but some can go as heavy as 5 to 7 lbs. Mackerel are great fresh or smoked. If you decide to smoke them, simply fillet and leave the skin on. They are a soft fish and the skin holds the fillets intact while smoking. We have a local smokehouse in Rio who does a great job if you decide to have your catch smoked. Try Mrs. Peters Smokehouse at (772) 334-2184. For fresh mackerel, I like to skin them and cut the bloodlines out. Mackerel do not freeze very well so I suggest clean what you will eat in a day or two and smoke the rest.

Pompano and bluefish can be found both along the surf and inside the Indian and St. Lucie Rivers. My next report will cover these species in depth.

Mission statement

For my first post I thought it might be a good idea to kind of introduce my blog and let you know what it will be about.  This blog will eventually have many aspects but it's main goal is simply to provide a venue for people to talk about anything outdoors.  From fishing, camping, hunting and anything that goes along with it.  A place for people to trade tips and tricks or just share experiences.