Everglades City
by Captain Mike Merritt
September has historically been my favorite month for catching big Snook.
I know FWC says the Snook are still spawning this month, but for years we all knew it was the end of the spawn and the big females were feeding very aggressively. Things change so maybe there is some merit to this claim. But one thing that has not changed is the amount of big Snook we catch this month is always great.
Early morning or late evening when it’s not as hot always seems to be the best time. Of course a good tide with moving water is what you want. The water in the back country will be flowing out after the rainy season so the river mouths will be best. Snook love the brackish water, but plenty of fish are caught offshore on our wrecks. And even way back up in the freshwater where they are mixed in with largemouth bass can be good. These fish have a wide range and will take a wide variety of baits. From topwater lures to rattletraps and jigs. And just about any type of live bait will get eaten.
When I am giving someone advice on targeting these fish it almost always boils down to being able to cast accurately. An accurate cast with the wrong lure will get more action than a terrible cast with the best bait. So if you lack in casting skills and want to catch Snook consistently I suggest you do some practice. What better way to practice than just getting out and doing it. The closer to the bank, the better. Plenty of fish are caught in troughs and out from the bank, but the majority of Snook are in the mangrove roots or as tight as they can get. Remember, these are ambush predators so they will gravitate to an ambush spot. The more you fish and catch, the easier it is for you to figure out. Do it for a lifetime and you will learn to think like a Snook! The fun is in the learning and if you don’t enjoy a day out casting lures you probably won’t ever become a good Snook fisherman.
I know a lot of people just want to hook up on a good fish without all that effort. Those are the ones that need a fishing guide. We are grateful for them as we get to show off our expertise and see them hook up with some good fish as a result of our knowledge. There are plenty of local fishing guides here in our area that have a lifetime of experience. Prime fishing time is upon us so if you want to get hooked up you better get your guide booked early.
Redfishing has remained good and actually improved in August so hopefully this continues for September and all thru the fall months. It used to be that the 3rd week in August was when the schools of Reds would show up in good numbers. Then it seemed to move into September, then October. Some years it never happened in large quantities as in times past. Hopefully what we have seen in August means it is a cycle that is going to repeat itself! At the time of writing this article I just saw a large school of Black Drum in the 5-10lb range move into the islands. There were also numerous smaller schools moving in. The biggest school was a couple hundred fish and the smaller schools were 5-10 fish. This is late August so hopefully this is a little of what lies ahead for this year.
Trout fishing will start to get better as the water temps drop. They may move back onto the flats this month but most likely will be still hanging around the edges of the points and rocks where there is some grass holding shrimp and small baits. I still prefer the popping cork with a DOA shrimp or similar bait. Live shrimp is hard to beat and as the fall progresses it will become even more irresistible.
Of course Tarpon fishing will actually get better this month as the fish will be making their way back thru the Islands. We will be catching them down the coast and all thru the Islands. From miles offshore to up in the rivers. These fish are fun to hunt and make for a memory of a lifetime for the average angler. I tell my clients if you want to Tarpon fish you better be committed. Sometimes they can cooperate and at times they can be super frustrating. But the hunt can be fun!
To be a good fisherman, or lady, you need patience and persistence. You have to enjoy the whole experience. And, if you do it enough, you will end up having that “banner” day that you always hear about. The more you fish, the more successful you become. But, that’s a general rule in life. A good day fishing is better than a good day at work, unless you’re me, then it’s both. Enjoy our great fishery and be respectful on the water! Good luck fishing!
Capt. Mike Merritt
Guide | (561) 252-4324 | SnookFishing1@juno.com
