by Capt. Christina Kraus
Last month I was telling you about the Southwest Spring Classic. Well, I am very happy to say Aaron and I took 1st place in the tournament and Top Lady Angler, Longest Snook at 41.5in. What an amazing time to catch my personal best snook! We started out our week by scouting spots for bait and looking for big snook. We decided to get baits and keep them overnight just in case the weather changed early. After getting a few good ladyfish we moved on and decided to grab some mullet, as well. A giant snook appeared at our bait spot and I told Aaron not to even look at her, jokingly, because I was praying we would encounter her the next morning. Tournament morning we headed straight to Doctors Pass thinking we would start there and it got rough. We headed in; I was shocked the snook from the day before was still around. I watched her circle several times; it took maybe 15 minutes and casting over the spot. I felt a tug on the line and couldnât believe what I saw next! From the top she didnât look nearly as big as she did once she was hooked. She gave a few good runs and tried to take me into the structure. One final head-shake and she spit the hook. I was devastated, my 40â Club Snook and the possible tournament winner gone! We decided to hit another spot where we had seen big snook cruising. We couldnât get the giant out of our heads. Knowing she was going to be enough for the win, we decided we would give her some time and go back. I didnât think she was going to eat again, but we had to try. When we headed back, we stopped and grabbed one fresh ladyfish. At this point I had decided that we were not going to leave until we got her. After about half hour of casting other spots, I tried the same spot I got her last time. And there she was! I hooked her a second time and this time we were ready. I turned off the trolling motor and let her pull us. Aaron got ready with the net and she went right thru it! Now my line was stuck thru the net. I had to feed the rod thru while keeping my line tight with her still on. Finally, we got the grips on her before she could get away this time! Once on board I finally saw how big she really was! 41 ½â at first measure! After getting her on the tournament board, we quickly took pictures and released her. Knowing there was no way we were going to get a bigger fish, we headed in. What an experience and we are very thankful to everyone who made it possible.
Captain Christina Kraus Artistic Angler Charters 239-601-3799 Now booking for fishing, eco tours, shelling. USCG Licensed and Insured