Captain’s Corner: Rob Gorta

The best way to beat the heat in the summertime is to fish at night.  This can be the most relaxing time to fish.  The afternoon thunderstorms are over, and the air is cool from the rainfall.   Residential dock lights can attract a variety of species.  Snook is my number one target around the lights, but trout, redfish, jack crevalle, ladyfish, resfish and mangrove snapper all hang around these lighted structures.  Approach is the most important factor, if you pull up to the area with the outboard motor running, the fish will spook away, or simply not bight.  I like to use a trolling motor on the lowest setting to get within casting range, and then quietly drop an anchor. Heavier braided line along with a tighter drag will help if a fish runs for the pilings.  Select sized shrimp is the best bait to throw under the lights.  I always see fish chasing shrimp at around docks.  Remember to respect the property owners, I always stay as quiet as possible, so I do not disturb any homeowners.  Make sure you check all your navigation lights and follow coast regulations for night time operations of a vessel.

Captain Rob Gorta

727-647-7606