by Capt. Matt Mitchell
Unseasonably warm conditions over the past few weeks have kept our fishing more in a fall pattern. This time last year, we had extreme cold, which stuck around through the whole month of January.
So far this year, December has been outstanding, with lots of bait still everywhere. Hopefully, this warmer-than-normal weather sticks around, and our snook fishing continues to be amazing.
With water temperatures staying in the low 70s, snook fishing around the passes has just never really quit like it does during our cooler months.
Generally, as water temperatures cool, snook make a winter move into the back country. Although there are some snook in the mangrove creeks, these fish are still just in better numbers in and around the passes.
Even though our snook season closed on December 1st, this catch-and-release fishery is a client favorite. There aren’t many other places with the sheer number of snook we have. Pine Island Sound is famous for this fishery, and we can catch them almost year-round.
Docks, jetties, eddies, and mangroves in and around the passes are all holding these fan favorite snook. Both shiners and pinfish have been doing the trick. Boat position and bait presentation in this fast-moving water are the keys to successfully catching these fish.
Drifting or setting up the boat on an anchor or power poles all work, depending on the water depth and the current speed. Free line or weighted baits cover different depths. Get it dialed in, and the action can be non-stop.
During these extremely low tides, all our passes are great options to target snook. Learning where the fish stage during different tide stages only comes with time on the water. All our passes are fish highways and, with such fast-moving water, create feeding stations. One little rip or eddy can hold endless snook when the bait is allowed to sweep through it naturally.
One afternoon this week, on what was supposed to be a 12-hour incoming tide, we went pass fishing looking to find some current. When we arrived at the pass, I was surprised to see the tide was going out. This often happens on slower-tide days.
Taking advantage of this outgoing water, we bounced from points to docks and found a wide-open snook bite. A few hours later, the tide simply quit, and so did the bite.
Moving water is the most important factor when snook fishing, as these fish stage pointing into the tide, generally drafting to pick up baits as they get swept by.
Capt Matt Mitchell moved to Sanibel in 1980 and has lived in St James City since 2000, when he started his fishing charter business. He spends over 300 days a year “living the dream” fishing. For questions and info: bookings@captmattmitchell.com
Leave a Comment