Summer Snook

by Capt. Rodney Raffield

Hi Coastal Anglers, Capt. Rodney with EBE here with some more fish stories for you. I have had a crazy busy season with most every single day booked for the season. Fishing has been incredible this year with some of the best fishing in my guiding career. Our busy season is winding down and I will be looking forward to some time to recuperate. Summer is less busy for me business-wise, but it is my favorite time of the year for BIG Snook Fishing. Through the months of June, July, August, and September I catch some of the biggest snook of the year. My preferred method for catching these Monsters is to crank big soft plastics across the top of the shallow oyster reefs. You would be shocked at the 15lb plus fish that hang out in less than 2 feet of water in the National Park. If your goal is numbers, stick with lures in the 4” or under range with the occasional lunker committing to your bait. But for that fish of a lifetime I like throwing a 6” soft bait on a very stout weighted worm hook. Trout and Redfish can be good in the summer, but I recommend keeping your baits in the 4” and below size for the best results. With most all our winter friends back up north for the summer, take advantage of the wide open spaces and put that monster on the end of your line. You cannot go wrong with a Mr. Wiffelure 6” Sonic Tail for the fish of your dreams. But I also caught the biggest snook of my life on a Youzuri 3DS Minnow in Holographic Blue, and also have landed many 35” plus fish on Mirrolures, such as the Catch 5. So get out there and put that trophy in the boat. Till next time, tight lines my friends. Capt. Rodney Raffield

Capt. Rodney Raffield is a 6th generation native of the Everglades area. If you would like to experience fishing this awesome place he calls his Backyard, he can be contacted at 239-695-4626 or email captrodney@centurylink.net.
Best way to see what he does on a daily basis is to follow on
Facebook at Everglades Backcountry Experience.