Ed Mitchell Outdoors

Sight-Fishing for Snook

My buddy Dave, the “Fish Whisper”, has been stalking snook on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Got himself a true corker this time, as you can see below. That must have been wa hoot. Way to go Dave!

A few days back, Dave saw a group of snook laid up. By this time of year, they have boogied from their winter haunts in the backcountry, and returned to open water. He found them bunched up in small pods on top of a bar, finning in the current.

Dave’s fly of choice was a meaty 5inch Lefty’s Deceiver, tied on a Gamakatsu  1/0 SC 15 hook. To ensure the fly landed softly, he didn’t add any epoxy or eyes. Dave tells me trying to get a fly close to a big snook is extremely difficult. They spook easily. A bit of a breeze rippling the surface helps, as does keeping your backcast low. Well, he got it right this time, as he usually does.

Follow Structure and Current

Phone credit   Ed J. Mitchell

Striped bass gravitate to the best habitat. That where you’ll always find them. And the best habitat holds the best structure and current.

Not All Tackle Shops Are ?

Not all tackle shops are friendly. And not all tackle shops can spell.

Worms Again!

Well the Rhode Island worm bite is still in gear. No, not everywhere mind you, but in some spots. Doubt it can last much longer if the water temperature keep rising.  At some point the bass will be forced to boogie back to cooler water.

The picture below shows Captain Pete Farrell fishing a worm hatch. As usual Pete is busy catching bass. Dude is hard core. Nice going Pete!

Captain Pete Farrell       photo credit Phil Farnsworth

Got an interesting worm fly to show you. It was tied by Mark Lewchik, who is widely known for being fabulous at the vise, cranking out wonderful flies for both fresh and saltwater.

Mark Lewchik’s Worm Fly

This puppy is near 1.5 inches long and rides a size 2 hook. Looks like a Gamakatsu to me? The body is hollow and sealed, permitting it to float.

Worm Time in Southern New England

Well, well its worm time in the salt ponds along the southern New England coast. Yes, the spring has been cool and wet, but the worms are definitely here now. Pick a sunny day with a low tide during the afternoon to warm up the flats. That should trigger the hatch. No cold fronts please! And keep looking because the hatch moves around the pond following the warm water.

Worms

Here’s a look at that those squiggly little devils. Many, but not all, will be about an inch long with a red or pink body and a head tipped in black. But some can be almost white. So its best to have a wide selection of flies, as the fish are apt to be very fussy. Have some floating flies in the mix for sure.

Worm Flies

Still, don’t be surprised if the fishing to be tough at times, even when there are plenty of fish around. Just keep trying. Slow retrieves are the ticket. You’ll get there.

Photo credit Phil Farnsworth

Photo credit Captain Pete Farrell