by Capt. Rachel Cato
Let me let you in on my fishing secrets… I actually lose sleep worrying about catching bait and fish too. Did you think that I was going to tell you my favorite spots? That does not exist, well at least not year-round. Favorite spots change week by week or day by day depending upon weather, tide, and species. Even if you’re on the water and catching fish every day, every now and then you will be thrown off your game. April is a reliable and pretty much a guarantee go out and catch fish kind of month.
Snook are a guarantee catch no matter where or when you fish, these fish are fired up and eating as much as possible. Current and points will generally be the obvious areas but not always necessary. These fish are eating everything that comes across their face getting ready to spawn, so even if they’re small release quickly. Spotted Seatrout are pretty much everywhere you find grass. My rule of thumb is if you catch one of a certain size they are pretty much all the same. So, if you’re in an area catching multiple short trout, keep moving just off a little bit until you find the bigger fish. Redfish will start to move into the flats when the bait shows up. Approaching areas quietly and slowly won’t spook fish. Spanish mackerel and bluefish are a bonus this time of year. Always be prepared with long shank hooks and 30# leader when these guys show up. Who doesn’t like a great fight?! If you are loaded with live bait toss out a few extra scoops of squished baits to chum up these blood thirsty fish. Don’t forget to fish the actual tide, look for water movement and lighten up your tackle. Water can be really clear and fish extra spooky.
Captain Rachel Cato has been a fishing guide out of Palmetto since 2005. She is on the pro staff with Evinrude through Gulf Coast Marine in Port Charlotte and specializes in catching many species year-round with live bait for up to 6 anglers. To book your next fishing adventure call (941) 524-9664, go to captainrachel.com, or find her on Facebook at CaptainRachelCharters