Snook Season Comes To An End

Snook anglers have until 11:59 p.m. tonight to keep the season's final two fish between 27 and 34 inches. Snook season will close tonight at midnight until Sept. 1.

While it will be strictly catch and release for snook until September, there is a strong possibility that anglers on Florida's Atlantic coast will have the bag limit reduced to one fish per person and the slot reduced to between 28 and 32 inches.

The proposed changes to the snook rules will be discussed at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's meeting and final public hearing on the matter June 14 at the Radisson Suit Hotel Oceanfront in Melbourne. To see the complete agenda, visit www.MyFWC.com and see the news release.

Summer Fishing Patterns In Florida

Trout action will continue to be good in the early mornings. That hour or so after the first light appears is the best time to fish. Calm waters with a top water popper and/or slider are both going to be what to look for. The early bird gets the worm as they say.

Snook are going to be under any kind of shade during the day. Mangroves with some good over hang and docks will give them plenty of cover. In the early mornings, the snook will still be on the flats, following the bait pods. Nighttime action will be the best time for the snook to take flies. Under any of the bridge and dock lights will be where to cast your fly. Moving water on an out going tide will be the best situation.

Tarpon fishing of the beaches will get better and better as the summer goes on. The "Cove", is a great place to go, if the conditions are right. Calm winds or a west wind will make the ocean nice and calm to make the run a little easier. Most of the residential canals will also be a good place to go for the tarpon. Early mornings and right up until dark is a great time for them, but don't rule out the night.

During the night, the jacks and ladyfish will also hit very well. Small minnow and small shrimp patterns work best. These fish on a 5 or 6 weight rod can be a blast.

Tight Lines,

Capt. Mark Ballard