Nightime Efforts and Lessons Learned

Sometimes you just need to turn on that brain and avoid the traps caused by habitual fishing. Dock lights were not covered up with Snook and the 66 degree water temperature was actually pretty good for late February. The little shrimp were jumping around under the lights and small fry swam around feeding on the particles of food and even smaller organisms collected for the evening food chain. Current was not good which can be an impediment to feeding, but it was strange that the fish just weren't around.

As we looked for useful places to throw the fly we happened onto a light which turned out to be good for all the right reasons. Current pouring in from the inlet and the surface whipped up by the wind. A good white light facing into the water and a low dock with good cover and the ability to position the boat so that our presence was not advertised. Tough to fish but very productive with the right fly. Nothing subtle here as these fish were there for something to eat because the expected the food to be rolling in from the ocean.

The lesson, of course, is that when the obvious pattern isn't working, you need to start thinking about what is different. It didn't occur to me until later that since it hadn't rained in 3 months and the incoming tide was strong that I had to be more vigilant about stealth. When we would find a light with fish on it and place one or two casts into the right spots there would suddenly be no fish. Moving out of the way and hiding the boat would have been step number one and a lighter leader with a clear line tip would have been number two. This water was clean and fairly clear and at lights with little current our presence was very obvious to the fish. If the fish are focused on feeding you can get away with a lot more. When they're not focused on feeding, they will focus on things that they perceive as dangerous.

Fortunately, we did find fish and the customer was happy with the trip. I was happy with their satisfaction but unhappy with my performance as I needed to be more of a captain by evaluating the situation and controlling the presentation for better results. I plan to do better next time.

February Report

The final stretch of Winter is here and fishing patterns are holding true to the season. Snook are on dock lights at night and deeper during the day. Ladyfish and Pompano on the sandy mid depths and Trout on the grassy flats. Bluefish have been strong this year and seem to show up anywhere they might get a meal.
If you fly fish and are looking for Snook, then a couple hours before daylight or evening fishing is your best bet. Although this is true generally and for most of the year, it is especially true in the latter part of winter. With less bait in the water and colder temperatures to deal with the Snook will expend only the energy necessary to get a quick meal. Dock lights concentrate bait that will, in turn, concentrate Snook.
Sunny days and cool water is a good combination to attract fish to the flats. One to two feet of water, especially if its clear water, is likely to hold Snook, Trout and (further north) Reds. Much depends on the quality of the water and condition of the bottom, but a bright sunny day should move bait, fish and fishermen to the shallows. Slow and natural is the best presentation.
Swimming live bait is good near structure like bridges. It's important to get it down and in front of their faces as it's cool down there and the fish will not expend a lot of energy roaming around looking for food.
As this winter has been very dry and both runoff and dumping from the Big "O" have been virtually non-existent, we have considerable water clarity and high salinity levels. This is great news for all involved but it also effects presentation with flies and and other artificial lures. Technique and accuracy become far more important in this water. If you're lack in both, live bait is generally the best solution.