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.

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.