The sows have been feeding, or shall I say gorging, on sardines and are letting their guard down. Over the past 10 days my anglers have caught several large breeder snook up to 45 inches. Sight-casting on sand flats has been a blast. Light leader is a must and adds to the challenge. Once a female submarine is spotted, lead her by about 3-5 feet and don't move until she passes or eats. If your cast falls odd, like across the back, let her move on, then reel up and recast. If you land one, take photos quickly. Hold the fish in the water until it's Facebook picture time, snap quickly and get her back in and revived. Remember, they can hold their breath about as long as you can. Redfish remain spotty across the middle and upper bay, but their freckled friends have shown up and are large in size and numbers. Trout to 26 inches were landed this past week on scaled sardines. The fish like the structure of underwater humps with grass and sand bottom. Chumming helps locate them. The water is warm and the trout are a little on the wormy side, so if you're looking for table fare, try the mackerel. Tarpon have been all the chatter lately. Their bite is awesome as the new moon approaches.
Tim Whitfield can be reached at (813) 714-0889 or tim@swiftfishcharters.com.