As summer approaches in Southwest Florida, it’s time to prepare for snook fishing on the beach. As the Gulf waters warm up, the snook begin entering the passes and eventually start cruising up and down the beaches, presumably fattening up for the spawn. This is one of my favorite times of year for sight fishing, as the water becomes calm and crystal clear. Over the years, I have developed some guidelines I follow to maximize the fun and allow for the safe release of the fish.

The winter season is upon us here in Southwest Florida.  This can be a great time of year to fish from the kayak. During the winter months we deal with cold fronts, negative low tides, windy days and cold water temperatures. These conditions can be tough, and I wanted to share my thoughts on a few techniques, lure choices and the best times to be on the water for the top four targeted species in my region - snook, redfish, speckled (or spotted) trout, and flounder.

Ok, so I took some liberties with the title, but like the movie, I’m haunted by waters. I want to know what’s around the next bend in the mangroves, that hidden pond in the back country, or up the river I used to fish when I was a younger man. So when my buddy Walt called me and said “Let’s go see if they are biting up the river”, I jumped at the chance. This time of year the snook head up the rivers in search of warmer water, so this would be a perfect opportunity to see how well they are making a comeback after our terrible winter of a few years ago.

No matter where you live, there are opportunities for a road trip. I am fortunate enough to live within an hour’s drive of the 10,000 Islands and the Everglades. I have long wanted to go on an overnight kayak fihsing/camping trip to some of the outer islands on the Gulf of Mexico and partake in the legendary fishing there. After lots of preparation, my chance came during an April weekend.

“There are no fish in Estero Bay”. That was always the tongue in cheek answer given by the locals when asked, “Where was a good place to fish in the bay”. I have been fishing Estero Bay for around 20 years with varying results, but I can tell you now, the fish are back!

It has been a while since I have posted on here so I figured I would put up a report from the other day... I planed a trip with one of the best kayak anglers on the planet And someone I am glad to call my friend Dee Kaminski from www.reelkayakfishing.com/ And a new friend and first time kayak angler Brittney Novalsky who is the owner of Florida Sportswomen.

I’ll liken it to this: You’re out hunting squirrels with your BB gun, and an elephant shows up.

I think it’s safe to say that, anytime you go out kayak fishing, there is something to be learned. No matter how long you’ve been doing it; never be surprised at anything the fish do because, just when you think you’ve got them figured out, they do something different.

I wasn’t sure how todays kayak fishing trip was going to turn out.  It was a little breezy to do any sight fishing for sharks, so Greg and I hit the flats in search of some reds. The redfish bite has been really good as of late and I have all but given up looking for snook in my home waters, I have seen a few and those that I know about I have left alone, so today it was a pleasant sight to see a few cruising the flats.

In South West Florida spring kayak fishing has been at its best. There are endless options in my region. I have been finding fish on the flats, bridges, beaches and dock lights at night. The Snook have been eating flies very well. The fly of choice has been the Clouser in a Chartreuse/White pattern. When fishing the dock lights for these line siders I prefer to use a Temple Fork Outfitters TICRX Rod in a 9WT which allows the angler to put good pressure on the fish to keep the fish out of the structure.

January 3, 2011 I met with Rusty at Snook Haven. Snook Haven is a place I have never visited in my 32 years here in Sarasota. Just a short 30min drive south to Venice, Fl you will find this great park located on the Myakka River. Snook Haven has much to offer, boat & canoe rentals, and tours on the river, food and most important fishing.