Snook Fishing in April

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

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The Snook fishing is red hot right now in the central east coast of Florida from Melbourne to Sebastian down to Vero beach. We had our share of windy conditions this month, so I have been bouncing around fishing from Sebastian Inlet down to the flats in Vero. On the calmest days I will take people to the inlet to target snook and redfish along with the jacks, bluefish, etc. On these trips I see to it my guests have the proper live bait to increase their success of hooking up with a trophy fish. On the windier days when the seas are higher I like to head to the flats in and around Vero Beach. The great thing about fishing the flats for snook, trout, and reds is these areas hold a huge number of fish and there is much less boat traffic. When fishing the flats I customize my charters based on the skill level of the angler. If I have someone who can cast and work lures well, then I like to start them with top water plugs. There is nothing more exciting than a big snook or trout hammering on top! Then, later, I will have them toss out live or cut bait. If my guests are beginners, I will throw out cut or live bait right from the get go.

On April 17 I had the privilege of having Terry and Debra from Michigan aboard for the first time. They were referred to me by Captain Ryan Dean of Final Point Charters. Before the trip, I went to one of my bait spots around Melbourne Florida and cast netted some greenies, mullet, and a couple ladyfish. Then I trailered the boat down to the McWilliams boat ramp in Vero Beach to pick up Terry and Debra to head out on the water. When I got to the flat I put the power pole down, rigged up a couple baits, one being a cut ladyfish, and tossed them out then put them in the rod holders. Within a couple of minutes the rod with the cut bait bent with the drag screaming. With excitement we all turned to see a monster snook shaking his head out of the water. Debra was the closest to the fishing rod, so she grabbed the rod and brought a trophy 40 inch snook in the boat! Good job Debra!