Tide: 0.72ft high at 9am
I launched the Native at 8:30 this morning (in the rain) in a new spot that is pretty far back from the bay. It is essentially a residential canal system with mangroves lining the empty lots. I found tarpon rolling a short distance from the launch, hooked up with 3 and landed 1 on a chartreuse mirrodine. The one I landed was 12-15lbs the others were around 25lbs. I left the tarpon biting and continued to explore the canals. The rainclouds passed and the sun started warming up the water. I found a bunch of snook sunning themselves, none smaller than 28". I kept casting the mirrodine and eventually hooked to a slot snook which unfortunately spit the hook early in the fight. I caught a few jacks and ladyfish and called it an early day. I keep seeing reports showcasing belly up snook and how the snook population was "decimated." They are still around. In large numbers. You just have to be in the right area. People don't realize how many snook are actually in our area so when they see 100 dead snook at a marina they call it a disaster. The canals I was in today had a dark, muddy bottom with holes exceeding 20 feet. Even if we have freezing temperatures for two weeks straight, the deep water will act as a refuge and ensure the survival of any species as long as they get to it in time. I think FWC said a few days ago that 4% of the Florida snook population was killed during the freeze.
