Slow Day Up River

1-13-2014

Photo by Steve Gibson

Location: Brackish water area of Myakka River

Time: 0700-1115

Tides: Low @ 0945

Weather: Sunny, Hi/Lo 74/54, Winds 4-8 mph

Vessel: Native Watercraft Ultimate 14.5

Fish: 2 snook to 19"

Tactics: Spinning tackle. Dark-colored soft plastics on jigheads.

Notes: Snook were nowhere near as active as the last time I had fished this area. Slow day but did manage to find a bit of a pattern.

2013 Fishing Highlight Video

2013 Fishing Highlight Reel from Patrick O'Connor on Vimeo.

First River trip of 2014

Location: Brackish water area of Myakka River

Time: 0845-1445

Tides: Outgoing

Weather: Overcast, pre-frontal conditions, Hi/Lo 68/57, Winds 10-15, gusting to 30.

Vessel: Native Watercraft Ultimate 14.5

Fish: 9 Snook to 26", 1 Jack Crevalle @ 5 Lbs, 1 tarpon jumped @8-10 lbs, 1 Mangrove Snapper @ 11"

Tactics: Spinning tackle. Light jigheads with soft plastic jerk baits were most successful.

Notes: Snook were plentiful around structure but also were hanging in the middle of the canal in areas around no noticeable structure. Fishing was sub-par all morning, but picked up significantly once the approaching front hit around noon. 

Last Trip of 2013

Location: Backwater creeks of Charlotte Harbor

Time: 0830-1130

Tides: Outgoing

Weather: Overcast, pre-frontal conditions, Hi/Lo 73/62, Winds 10-15.

Vessel: Gheenoe

Fish: 20+ snook to 24" landed and 3 tarpon to 10 lbs jumped between two anglers.

Tactics: Spinning tackle. Light jigheads with soft plastic jerk baits were most successful.

Notes: Snook were hanging in deep water over muddy bottom. Saw but could not entice snook to 40" sunning on shallow mud flats. Tarpon were taken on exact same tactics as the snook.