Large snook become the primary target of Tampa fishing charters during the spring and early summer. These fish gather in our passes and along our beaches in advance of the summer spawning period. Oftentimes, groups of smaller male fish will be located, in the 22 to 28 inch range, that are aggressive and eager to bite. However, it is the groups of larger female fish that make for the most exciting Tampa fishing charters. Seeing twenty snook in the 32 to 38 inch class laying up on a shallow flat can get the calmest angler's adrenaline flowing. On a good day, the first bait cast into this group of fish will be immediately inhaled. This was the case on the fish pictured above, which measured 38 inches and probably weighed 17 lbs. On other days, patience will be required as the group of fish will casually swim away from your bait every time it's tossed into the school. Then, as if some magical switch were thrown, one of these large fish turns on your bait on your 30th cast and the fight is on.

A take by one of these big fish is almost always followed by a drag screaming run, mixed with jumps and head shakes. Once the angler survives this initial surge, chances of landing the fish are greatly increased. Tackle used on a typical Tampa fishing charter is the following: a seven and a half foot, medium action spinning rod and reel, spooled with 20 lbs. braided line. A thirty lbs. fluorocarbon leader is attached to the end of the line and a 2/0 light circle hook (to insure easy release)completes the rig. Live bait is allowed to swim freely through the school of fish with no tension until a fish strikes. Sometimes this strike is a violent tug coupled with a surface explosion as the bait is inhaled. Other times, a large fish may just drift upward in the water column, gently slurp the bait in, and sink back to the bottom, unaware that there is even a hook in it's dinner. To the angler, a slight tick will be felt when the bait is eaten. By slowly reeling down and feeling the weight of the fish, the angler can determine if a fish is on. Once done, one firm hook set ignites the snook's first run.

The beauty of the spring /summer snook environment is that, since these fish are on the beaches and there is little structure for them to break off on, very light tackle can be used. Fish can make long runs down the beach and the angler can just relax and hang on, knowing that the drag and rod are doing their part to wear down their large quarry. After a couple more shorter runs, the fish can be brought boat side, lifted up for a quick picture, and released. Another successful Tampa fishing charter has come to a close.