The Tampa Bay Times
Catch and release snook fly action has begun
Snook continue to proliferate in our area. The best sight fishing is heating up with large females and a group of courting males easily seen by picking early mornings with bright sun and easterly winds. The importance of tidal flow will put large numbers close to passes especially if there is structure, debris, points, rip rap and offsets giving them additional protection. The key is to use good polarized glasses with side shields, a hat with a wide dark underside brim and stay on the beach. Beaches with a higher viewpoint are ideal. Avoid the low sun casting your shadow over the fish as they will be very close to the sand usually occupying the trough often present there. Stay out of the water, casting parallel not perpendicular to the sand. An eight-weight fly rod with a floating line is good, but a clear sink tip line is better especially if there is any wave action allowing your fly a more life-like presentation. White lightly weighted baitfish patterns with crimped barbs size 1/0 to 2 are preferred. Patiently, select a fish that is facing you and place your fly close enough so that she can see it. A 30-pound shock tippet of hard monofilament with a loop knot will cover terminal tackle requirements. Check your backcast when starting to cast to make sure curious beachgoers aren’t nearby.
Fly fisherman Pat Damico charters Fly Guy in lower Tampa Bay and can be reacher at captpatdamico.com and (727) 504-8649.
- Capiains Corner. Damico - December 26, 2023
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- CaptainsCorner: Pat Damico - November 27, 2023
