Well, the site is still slowly being pieced together, but I figured our first post should break some important news. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission ruled this week that snook season will remain closed on Florida’s west coast instead of reopening on September 1, 2012. The devastating cold snap of 2010 took a serious toll on the snook population, killing thousands of fish along the coastline. Snook are generally a resilient species, capable of tolerating a wide range of temperatures and salinity levels, but when water temperatures suddenly drop below sixty degrees, their bodies can no longer properly metabolize. When that happens, mortality rates climb quickly.
Personally, I have seen a noticeable rebound in snook numbers around the Southshore area and throughout Tampa Bay. That said, an uptick in sightings does not necessarily mean the population has fully recovered. A premature reopening could undo years of rebuilding. For that reason, I fully support the extended closure. Giving these fish additional time to spawn and strengthen year classes will only improve the long term health of the fishery. Healthy spawning cycles are critical to restoring balance and ensuring consistent recruitment for years to come.
When you do encounter snook during the closure, practice responsible catch and release. Use stout tackle to shorten fight times, circle hooks to reduce deep hooking, and handle fish carefully while keeping them in the water whenever possible. Conservation starts with individual anglers making smart decisions.
In the meantime, redfish have been feeding aggressively. Once the water clears from Tropical Storm Betty, expect them to push up on the flats and feed hard. There is still plenty of action to be had. Get out there, respect the resource, and bend a rod.
