Snook fishing along the south beaches of Pinellas County has been amazingly productive. Large schools of fish are hanging in the swash channels formed by wave motion right off the beach. The water clarity changes day to day, depending in the wind direction. If the wind is out of the west, the water will become cloudy, which makes it difficult to find the schools. An easterly wind will push the dirty water offshore, causing the water to clear up, making it easier to locate the large shadows along the beach. I will drift with the tide and use my trolling motor to steer the boat. Once I see a dark shadow, I will drop my shallow water anchor and start fishing. Sometimes the shadow is one fish, or can be a huge shadow, indicating a whole school of fish. The shadow could turn out to be grass, it does not matter, I do not take a chance, and I target every shadow I see. Threadfin herring, a larger bait, has been producing the largest fish.If it is action you want, the opening of Tampa Bay has been loaded with fish. The Egmont Key area has been thriving with life. The yearly hatch has taken place. Massive schools of small baitfish have congregated in the deep whole off Egmont Key. Bonito, spanish mackerel, jack crevalle, black tip sharks, and tarpon can be seen feeding on these schools. Seagulls and terns have been the give away of where the action is. When the predators start feeding, the water turns white, and the birds go crazy. Captain Rob Gorta727-647-7606www.captainrobgorta.com
- Jay Mastry - March 26, 2024
- Captains Corner, Gorta - March 23, 2024
- Dave Zalewski - March 12, 2024
