Frozen FISH STICKS
SNOOK IN THE WINTER MONTHS. PHOTO: JOSE CHAVEZ
FLORIDA SHARPIES TARGET BIG
Snook
While Floridians may not suffer the cold and misery of northern climes, Sunshine State fishing slows down in the cooler months. While many anglers target reds and trout, local sharpies track down big snook. From his homebase in Tampa, 13 Fishing pro Jose Chavez (
www.13fishing.com) chases snook on the flats and in the backcountry.
WHERE In the cooler months the snook move deep into the backcountry. He looks for the fish in deep channels and holes. After a warm, non-windy spell the snook will start to work their way to the river mouths and potholes. “The fish go into the backcountry when it’s cold and move to the flats when it gets warmer,” Chavez sums up. He looks for bait signs and targets ambush points.
HOW To score big winter snook, Chavez casts jigs and jerkbaits. “The colder it is, the slower I work the lure,” Chavez instructs. He cranks slowly, twitches the rod tip, then lets the lure sink slowly to the
46…KAYAK ANGLER
bottom. He encourages trophy hunters to be patient. “A place may be full of fish and you won’t get a bite,” he says, “keep at it until the fish get active.”
TACKLE BOX Chavez uses a medium- to medium-heavy, seven-foot, two-inch 13 Fishing Envy Green rod and 3000 series reel spooled with 15-pound braided line. The rod has fast action that transmits the subtlest move directly to the lure. Braided line improves sensitivity and produces longer casts. Favorite lures include DOA paddle tail and jerk bait in Arkansas glow, gold rush and glow gold. He switches jig weight depending on the depth. “In deep water I’ll use a quarter-ounce head and shallower water gets a 1/16,” he explains. He’ll also go lighter to slow the descent of the lure on really cold days.
BOAT Chavez uses a Hobie ProAngler 14 for its excellent stability and maneuverability. “I can carry five fishing rods,” he says. Winter snook are finicky, Chavez explains, so he rigs each rod with a different color and style of lure to quickly change his offering.
ESSENTIAL GEAR Chavez stresses that winter snook are hot and cold. “When the fish are on, you have to take advantage.” So, he uses a Power-Pole Micro to put on the brakes in an instant. “I can lower the pole and hold the kayak in position while making a cast.” The pole keeps Chavez in one place to work an area thoroughly.
WINTER WEAR Winter mornings are chilly in southern Florida, but the air will heat as the sun hits mid-day. Chavez wears layers that he can quickly remove as the temperature rises. "I wear a beanie with a brimmed hat overtop," he says. "The beanie keeps my head warm and the brim keeps the sun out of my eyes. I can remove the beanie as the sun heats up."
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