Docklight Turn-on

Not every night can produce constant docklight snook action but this one certainly delivered. On most nights you can see the snook stacked and lined up to pick off approaching snacks in the current but so often it takes a lot of casts to get your presentation just right to be choosen. This time it was "as advertised" and they were ready, willing and able to play the game. Fiesty players too, even though the water was a bit chilly at 61 degrees. Interesting that we spent the first two hours in daylight looking for fish and couldn't find even a small jack to hit a fly. Nightfall and docklights changed our luck. I guess the first two hours were for casting practice. It's always great to hear an experienced fisherman exclaim with excitement about docklight fishing.

Dock Light Snook

A great way to catch snook in the dead of winter is to head out just as dark approaches in the evening and park near a bright dock light. You don't have to wait very long before the snook start darting around as they chase small shrimp and bait fish that are attracted to the lights. After a while you'll see dozens of snook hanging around in the current and waiting for their snacks to come floating by. The dilemma is to determine how to fish this event. Choosing the tackle is the first step and if you can work a fly rod you have the best opportunity. The fly rod gives you the needed accuracy for fishing dock lights at night while the spinning rod is easy to cast you'll find its really hard to hit your spot in the dark and the dock owners collect a lot of lures in the morning. With a fly rod you have that connection with the fly and can place it where the presentation is most likely to produce results. It's a good idea to practice your casting before going out on the water as it will still take a little time to get used to hitting your mark. Now just choose the right fly and you've got a hookup! I know it's not quite that easy, but that's why you hire a guide. Most nights we can expect to boat 6 to 10 fish. Some nights the hookups are relentless. One thing for sure, it's a lot better than watching television at 8 o'clock in the evening. Just ask Curt. He caught this one just after his wife called to reported on the 6 inches of snow back in Detroit.