Getting Big Snook to Bite: Fishing Chronicles Season 1 Episode 5

 

Getting Big Snook to Bite in Tampa Bay’s Backcountry

Join Captain Sergio Atanes on another exciting episode of Captain Sergio’s Fishing Chronicles as he takes Kirk Hill, marketing manager for Power Pole and JL Marine, on an unforgettable fishing adventure around Tampa Bay. In this episode, Captain Sergio shares his expert techniques for getting big snook to bite, even when conditions aren’t perfect. Filmed in the protected waters behind Wheeden Island, this video showcases the kind of adaptable fishing strategies that separate successful anglers from those who head home empty-handed. Despite challenging weather conditions with winds blowing stronger than forecasted, Captain Sergio and Kirk find success by focusing on sheltered coves, mangrove-lined shorelines, and oyster bars where predatory fish congregate during tidal changes. The duo demonstrates how patience, local knowledge, and the right techniques can turn a potentially slow day into an action-packed fishing session. Throughout the episode, viewers will learn valuable lessons about reading water conditions, adapting tactics on the fly, and understanding how tidal movements influence fish behaviour in shallow-water environments.

Proven Techniques for Snook and Inshore Species

Captain Sergio reveals his go-to methods for getting big snook to bite when they’re holding tight to structure. The key innovation demonstrated in this episode involves using a small split shot positioned just four inches from the hook when fishing with live bait. This simple modification prevents the bait from swimming too quickly away from the mangroves where snook, redfish, and mangrove snapper are hiding during high tide. The captain explains how this technique keeps your offering in the strike zone longer, dramatically increasing your chances of success. The episode also highlights the importance of using circle hooks, particularly a two-ought size that matches the bait perfectly whilst ensuring proper hook sets and quick releases. Captain Sergio demonstrates how these hooks position themselves right in the top of the fish’s lip, making for healthier releases and better conservation practices. As the tide begins to fall, the fishing action intensifies, proving the captain’s prediction that the outgoing tide would trigger the bite. Kirk successfully completes an inshore slam, catching trout, redfish, and snook – the trifecta that every Tampa Bay angler dreams about.

Equipment and Location Insights

Fishing from a lightweight Beaver Tail skiff equipped with Power Pole shallow water anchors, Captain Sergio shows how proper boat positioning is crucial for getting big snook to bite in tight quarters. The Power Pole Pro Series 2 proves perfect for this style of fishing, allowing for silent approaches and stable positioning without spooking fish in the skinny water. Kirk provides insights into Power Pole technology and trolling motor advancements, including important software updates that improve overall performance. The protected coves and mangrove islands around Weedon Island offer ideal habitat for inshore species, particularly when wind conditions make open-water fishing challenging. Captain Sergio’s intimate knowledge of these backcountry areas, including the location of deep holes, cuts between islands, and oyster bars, demonstrates why local expertise matters when targeting species like snook. Whether you’re a seasoned Tampa Bay angler or planning your first Florida fishing trip, this episode delivers practical information you can apply immediately to improve your success on the water.