Big Snook caught by Jay Lev on threadfin bait near Boca Grande Pass
Large snook, up to 40 inches, have been caught along the beaches of Boca Grande Pass. The larger fish have moved out from the mangroves, and into the 4 to 8 feet of water along the beaches of the pass. Most have been caught on large baits, such as threadfins and mullet freelined. Anglers have been using 3/0 to 4/0 circle hooks attached to 30-pound leaders, about three feet long. In faster moving currents, anglers have attached a ¼-ounce split shot weight to keep the bait swimming just off the bottom. Some anglers are also using a three-to-four-inch Styrofoam float above the leader material. When live baits are not available, anglers are attaching four-to-six-inch Z Man curly tail soft baits in white or chartreuse, fished under a floating cork. Some anglers prefer smaller four-inch Gulp artificials. Outgoing tides seem to produce the best results.
As for tarpon, the small guys have moved in, and are very abundant in just about all our canals. Along PGI and in basins connected to our marinas and canals, fish about ten to thirty pounds can be seen rolling on the surface. The best bait at this time of the year for these smaller tarpons seems to be “white bait” or pinfish. These baits are best fished free lined. If you are o.k. with fishing a loose drag on your reel, the 20-to-25-pound test will generate a good number of hook-ups as the small baits can freely swim around. If you prefer a better chance of holding a jumping small tarpon, the 30-to-40-pound leader is your best bet. Do not oversize the hook to your bait, this will limit your live baits natural swimming movement. A 2/0 to 3/0 circle hook should work fine. If the fish seem to be working close to the surface, a rig with four feet of leader material and a cork will also work nicely. Remember, the first run of these small tarpons will usually be a powerful run and pull, as they are full of oxygen and ready to go. As they make that first jump, be sure to bow your rod down toward the fish, so the jumping fish does not land on the attached line and cause the hook to pull out.
If you like to fish artificial baits for these fish, a plastic bait known as the Popper in 3½-inch made by Yo-Zuri works well and comes in five colors. Working that lure along the surface for about ten feet and then stopping and letting the lure sit for about thirty seconds has proven to be a real attractor.
Other anglers have been using the Terror Eyz made by DOA lures. This lure is a soft lure that looks like a small baitfish. It comes in a two-inch size at ⅛ of an ounce and three-inch size at ¼ ounce and comes in 8 colors. The smaller size fish in root beer or motor oil color has been a hot lure. This soft bait is cast out and retrieved very slowly. When the tarpon bites the lure, you will feel a very small tap. Count to three and set the look as these bates are rigged with traditional J hooks. Have fun and catch and release these great inshore gamefish.
Tight Lines
