Red Fish / Snook

[MN Ducky]

Any of you guys ever fished the West Coast of Florida for Red Fish and Snook? If so how was it, what equipment did you use, did you bring your own stuff from MN down there?

[fivebucks]

Thsi time of year the reds are offshore for the most part. They come in the tidal flats in the summer and are a blast. Used to live in Tampa and I used my walleye gear with 10-12 lb test and did fine. Heavier gear would work but you do a lot of casting. Old pair of shoes and walk the flats casting. I stepped on a ray once but didn't get hit. You can also get out in a boat, which would be better. I don't know how to target the reds except in the summer and I tried to find them but couldn't. I never fished snook much but when I did it was in the mangroves in the glades.

[RickyBobby]

I've fished the Charlotte Harbor/Sanibel Island area in early March and have caught a few snook wading the beaches and casting 4" grubs on medium action spinning gear. The jack crevelle and ladyfish were more plentiful but snook were definitely present. Seemed like the best bite was early in the morning during incoming tide.

[Wayne Ek]

We have family in the Pine Island area ( Ft. Myers). We usually visit in late Feb to early March. I use the same tackle that I use for bass for both trout,reds and snook. Just rinse it very thoroughly with fresh water when your done with each outing. I have not done much wading we usually fish from a flats rig. I have had great fishing for jacks off the Matlacha pass bridge.