Pro’s Tips from Captain Carlos: Adjusting Tactics for the Coming of Spring
GOOD DAY, FELLOW SALTWATER JUNKIES! Some may recognize my name or personality because I was former cohost of the 11-time Telly Award-winning saltwater fishing program Florida Sport Fishing TV for over a decade. This spring, I’m making it my mission to connect even more with my fellow Florida and Bahamian saltwater anglers. Moving forward, I will be dedicating a column to Florida Sport Fishing magazine discussing current events, tactics, techniques, nuances, stories or just about anything I can share to entertain yet also educate our engaged fishing community.
The dilemma with springtime for me — and just about any Florida saltwater fish head — is which direction to focus on and what species are in my crosshairs. Being a Florida native, I’ve been privy to enjoying and learning a little bit of almost everything when it comes to saltwater fishing. It’s funny because I’m often dealing with an internal struggle of what to chase when time allows me to break free and pursue any piscatorial journey.
Every day, I communicate with dozens of people on the phone and most of the time they inquire about the most updated fishing report. Any seasoned saltwater angler will tell you that you must go to know. In Florida, we are truly blessed when it comes to excellent fishing opportunities in that we honestly do not have a fishing season as we’re able to target “something” year-round.
Nothing, and I mean nothing, trumps “on the water time” and figuring out what the fish are doing on any day. Yes, there are certainly seasonal patterns and techniques that remain consistent over the decades, however, paying attention to the slightest of changes in those conditions will often make or break your level of angling success.
Take snook, for example. Snook are one of my favorite species to target and have been since childhood. These fish are a Florida staple, exhibiting powerful, drag-ripping runs and intuitive fight tactics to break you off, and they can be a challenge to catch consistently. Anglers can chase them using light tackle or heavy bridge sticks when fishing close to thick structure. The point being that the same species of fish can be targeted using several different techniques; however, paying close attention to key indicators like sea surface temp, stage of the tide, baitfish or forage and the presence of bird life in the area will be crucial to any level of success.
Throwing an 8” paddle tail or swimbait and working it slowly along the bottom may get you bit; however, it may make sense to switch it up and tie on a crustacean if the shrimp or crabs are pushing through with the tide. Sometimes simply the switch to a smaller profile, especially in the winter, will be the day-making decision. Any snook, especially the breeders, often become opportunistic and will react quickly to an offering that replicates what’s available in the area.
Scaling down your tackle is the key ingredient required to connect with ongoing authority. On those blue bird days with a clean flood or incoming tide, using 20 lb. instead of 30 lb. fluorocarbon may be the deciding factor in getting more consistent commitments from the fish. At times, I’ve gone down to 16 lb., however, be prepared to lose the gear if a big fish is around.
Another factor to consider is the speed of the tide. If the water is moving much faster than normal, that will force you to use a heavier jig head or egg sinker to stay closer to the bottom. Bigger fish typically stage up along the bottom in the winter through spring when water temps are cooler. Now, going too heavy is also not the best option as you want the natural presentation of the bait or offering flowing naturally with the speed of the tide.
When fishing very grassy areas or locations where vegetation is abundant, it wouldn’t hurt to be throwing baits less likely to get hung up on the grass. I’ve always got a few soft plastic weedless swimbaits in my bag, ready to deploy because adapting quickly is key to capitalizing on a hot bite.
It’s best to evaluate the environment and conditions or, as I’ve been known to say, “scope it out” and then simply adjust how to deploy your plan of attack quickly and effectively. This will come with time and simply being on the water, so again you just must go to know.
Tight lines and ripping drags! Capt. Carlos
