Not Many Snook Out There Yet

By Jonie Maschek

I didn’t find any snook pictures this week as I traveled my usual route for fishing information.

One good reason could or might be, greenbacks are not out there. Those that are coming in are small. Some anglers tell me they are too small for a snook to snap at.

Others tell me they have been buying the largest of shrimp, all the jumbo ones that they can find and the snook won’t take them.

Maybe these anglers aren’t fishing in the right spot.

According to some sources, snook are out there: one spot is at the point of the east side of Simmons Park.

I have been told that there are snook in the Little Manatee River and can be seen on incoming and outgoing tides.

They can be seen near the shore early in the morning seeking food. They have also been seen around schools of bait fish.

When its hot during the day, they often stay in deep holes to keep cool.

Maybe you should try night fishing! Those fishing at night have seen them but have not made a catch.

Snook season is in full swing and it is unusual for me not to have a snook picture. Some anglers only fish during snook season. They think they are the only game fish out there.

The big talk around this week is, “Where did all the snook go?”

I don’t think they have gone anywhere, they are just playing “Hide and Go Seek” with anglers. The season just got under way and there are many of them out there.

Back in 1989 — the first day of snook season was a big deal. It was the beginning of a snook tournament which got under way the first day of snook season. It was sponsored by a great club called the “Ruskin Reelers,” which had a membership in the hundreds and everyone hit the waterways to catch the first snook. Trophies and cash prizes were awarded. It was something to look forward to. Frank Tichy was president back then. Those were the good ole days.

One angler told me that when he goes snook fishing he uses a culprit worm for bait and lands a snook every time.

Others have told me they always use nile perch for bait when they land a snook.

They tell me how to catch them, but this week we have not seen any snook.

Bait shops have been plagued with questions: Where are the snook? Why can’t we land one? It goes on and on. Maybe next week we will be swamped with snook ... who knows.

From all I have read about fish is that they have small brains and ironically man seems to work overtime trying to outsmart them.

A pipe smoker told me he wraps his pipe cleaners around a hook to make a lure that will catch a fish every time.

A common old safety pin may be used while fishing. Always keep one in your tackle box. Anglers can use it as an emergency line guide or can make a hook out of it.

Always think of the myth of the barefoot boy with cheeks of tan catching more than any man...with his stick, string and safety pin hook. This proves that it isn’t your equipment but knowledge of the waters and where that honey hole is that the fish stay in.

Tarpon are on the run.

Speckled trout are hitting on freelining live shrimp. Silver trout continue to strike.

Spanish mackerel are in the Bay channels.

Some flounder catches are being made.

Drum, is a common catch in the Little Manatee River.

Some black tip shark have been boated.

Redfish are the kings this week. It seems that most anglers have gotten a redfish. They are a game fish that will give you a fight before boating them.

There is a variety of fish out their and I have seen many being brought in boats.

One person landed some triple tails, others trout. Those fishing freshwater have caught great sized bass and freshwater cats.

There are fish out there, just use your skills and land one.

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