Pullin Drag Charters
Summertime red grouper caught by Tony B.
September is here and local anglers know the main show in town is SNOOK! This time of year the elusive and aggressive snook are local celebrities known for their superior fight and truly excellent taste. Treasure Coast captains and anglers excitedly count down the days until snook can be back on the family dinner menu. September 1 through December 14 is the second open season of the year for these highly prized fish, also called “linesiders” for the distinctive black lateral line that extends to the tail.
My favorite live bait choices for hooking snook are croakers, pilchards, and mojarra although they are aggressive enough to bite artificials as well. I recommend keeping a tight drag so these smart sportfish have a tougher chance to break the line on nearby structure. Since the population is making a good comeback, frequent over-slots and under-slots will be caught. When that happens, I encourage good catch-and-release techniques to minimize exposure to air and handling. This helps maintain the long-term health of our thriving snook fishery. Slot limit is 28-to-32 inches total length so keep that measure stick ready.
The great king mackerel bite from August should continue in September, especially with smoker kings found off the beach around bait pods and on out. Live pilchards, threadfins, or sardines on a slow troll generally produce excellent results. Big kings are prized as a true trophy fish with a serious fight, plus they make tasty smoked fish dip. If you want to try my famous Captain Bo’s Smoked Fish Dip recipe, just give me a shout and I’m happy to share. Targeting kings will provide fun opportunities for mahi-mahi and even some summer sailfish which greatly increases bragging rights and photo ops. Two of my recent charters have seen anglers catching their very first sail!
We may be saying goodbye to summer but the fishing is still hot so make plans for your own salty grocery trip. Now is the time to get on our snook charter schedule for a fin-tastic linesider adventure. Come hang with the locals at DeBrooks Fishing Corner and my homebase, the historic Little Jim Bait & Tackle, where you’ll always hear the very best local fish stories. Remember Little Jim specializes in Cook-Your-Catch with the best servers in the Fort and a military and first responder discount. Happy Labor Day, wave the flag, and never stop
Pullin Drag!
Capt. Bo Samuel
Pullin Drag Charters
(772) 971-6661
captainbofishing@gmail.com
