Fall High Water Snook

Hurricanes... Not the football team but the storms bring high water and hungry snook near shorelines that are too shallow normally. We've had our share of hurricanes in East Central Florida in the last couple of years including Charley, Jeannene and Frances last year but these close calls have caused high water in the Banana River and Indian River Lagoons that bring the big snook into the flats for those using live baits.

This September and October have produced several snook in excess of 12 pounds and a couple near the 16 pound mark. It's been exciting watching anglers hookup with large snook in less than two feet of water while landing them on light ten pound tackle.

The bait we've been using is live pilchards or "greenies" as they're often referred as. The pilchards have been plentiful in Port Canaveral where we catch them and transport them thru the locks and back into the lagoons. Finger mullet are a good alternative bait and can be caught easily in the fall with a good castnet and a little luck.

Snook are receptive to live baits presented along mangrove shorelines or docks with nearby grassflats. Stay far enough away to make long cast for minimal sound and disturbance from boat noises as snook are wary of unfamiliar sounds.

Snook often hit on the surface and with pilchards it's an instant hookup! Set the hook hard and then keep the pressure on when a fish hits. If the fish goes toward the mangroves use enough pressure to keep them out of the trees and then relax the pressure once you get them away from the structure.

Remember, High waters from the rain and storms can bring large snook into places they don't normally haunt. Look for the three main ingredients to any fishing situation. Fish look for food (baitfish), comfort (water conditions/temperature) and sex (spawn), if you find one or more of each of these you'll likely find your quarry.

Good luck fishing the high water and until next time Keep your lines tight.

Captain Richard