Hitchhiker Snook:

Early Morning on the Flats

During the last week we’ve had some decent tides for “tailing” reds. So I’ve been getting on the water before dawn hoping for a shot. Now conditions aren’t bad. The water is clear and cooling,  and the wind light – all things in my favor. But I’m sorry to say the fishing for “tailing” reds hasn’t been productive.

Why? “Hitcher snook”. What are “hitchhiker snook” ? I’ve discussed this before but that was long ago. Time for a refresher. With water temperatures in the high 70’s there are plenty of snook around. And they are very active and love to follow the redfish on the flat. So wherever you find “tailing” reds, snook are likely close by keeping a greedy eye on whatever the reds flush from the bottom.

As you cast to a “tailing” red, the red has its head down in the turtle grass and very often doesn’t see the fly or simply isn’t real  interested. The snook on the other hand are not looking down as much, are very aggressive and immediately charge the fly.  Bingo. You chuck a fly at a “tailing” red and hook a snook instead. C’est la vie.

Slimy green wool algae

Before finishing up this post let me mention something of concern on my flats. In the last month a slimy, green wool-like algae was shown up, covering the bottom and tangling up in the turtle grass. Where it came from I have no idea. Is it connected to the blue-green algae issue we have on the Southwest Florida coast? Can’t say, but it’s causing problems believe me. For one thing your fly quickly snags up in the crap. Second its hard to remove. Kinda like the “mung” weed I used to see on the Cape Cod beaches. Third, fish you hook plow through the shit head first. Now its all over you leader and fly line. Major headache.

Another Shot at “Tailing” Reds

Rain Clouds in the Distance

The rain to our immediate southeast had slid offshore and the breeze was dropping with the light. Coupled with it we had a ebbing tide about to turn. You got to love it. Things were set for another shot at “tailing” redfish.

About 7pm, the three of us hopped in Dave’s boat and flew out to the flats. Water temperatures were high, likely pushing toward 90 degrees, but its August after all and one just has to grin and bare it.  Six or seven minutes later, we slid up on the sandbar and tossed out the anchor. Time for the magical mystery tour to begin.

Dave’s Tailing Redfish

After grabbing gear, the three of us disembarked, fingers crossed that the angling gods would shine down on us. Andy headed right, I waded forward and Dave went left. The water on the flat was a fair bit lower than we expected. And there were no “tails” to be seen. Bummer. As the sun dipped down to the horizon, our chances were fading fast. But just at last light, Dave found two “tailing” reds. I’ll bet they arrived with the cooler incoming tide. Bingo. Yes, good old Dave scored as usual. No wonder they call him the “fish whisperer”!