Position is key

Capt. Steven Markovich
September 20, 2008
Tampa Bay - Saltwater Fishing Report

Onboard Thursday evening was good friend Capt. James Fesperman of Hook Setting Charters Our mission was to catch snook on the dock lights with an emphasis on locating larger snook. Live bait was critical to our success and was easily cast netted on a local tower. Just a couple of tosses of my Lee Fisher bait buster net had the live well full. With a good net and a little practice you will be on your way to consistently having quality bait. Check out the complete line of nets at http://www.justcastnets.com/

Just as the sun went down the wind picked up blowing 15-20 knots.
Targeting canals between Weedon Island and St Petersburg was the plan. Typically canals have calm waters not so tonight. Anchoring is key; remember you will need 6 feet of line for ever foot of water when the wind is howling. Ensure you pick a spot well up current to end in the right position. It's easy to spot the lighted docks, pay special attention to docks with underwater lights. First cast on the first stop I hooked a big snook. The hit was spectacular with the snook making several jumps and long runs then the comical part began as the snook took me back and forth in the boat then around the anchor line several times. Captain Jim was desperately trying to unwrap the line. Final score snook one Capt. Steven zero. Snook were steady and trout could be caught all night. Water temperature was 85.2 up from 82.5 just a week ago.

Look for the snook, redfish and trout bite to remain steady and get even better as we move towards fall. Mackerel fishing remains outstanding and is easy. Fishing the piers at the Skyway Bridge and Ft. Desoto are great spots for Mackerel.

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