Batten down the hatches because Mother Nature has been sending some strong winds down to the Keys.  I keep taping my computer monitor because 15-20 knots seems to be burning into the screen.  This is not a good month for the ultra light poling skiff owners.  But the trend in the backcountry seems to be larger flats boats and the latest breed of skinny water bay boats.  Although many of the larger flats and bay boats do offer poling platforms, this is really not a viable option unless the conditions are perfect.  But this time of year the fish aren’t hanging in the ultra skinny water allowing the use of a trolling motor along deeper shorelines and channels.  The additional room and comfort of a bay boat makes it a great choice for those anglers who aren’t interested in poling.  And, this time of year it can be tough task poling with the strong winds.  But, that doesn’t mean you can’t sight-fish, a properly handled trolling motor will get you within casting range of most species.  When using the trolling motor in shallow water you first need to adjust the height of the motor.  You will need at least 15 inches of water to keep the prop from making contact with the bottom but not blowing out above the surface.  I will let everyone assume their fishing positions before fine tuning the height adjustment.  Once you start moving keep the speed adjustment SLOW and STEADY as you work the flat.  Bay boats are not for everyone since they do have larger engines which can do substantial damage to the sea bottom if you are not familiar with the backcountry.  There are plenty of good bay boats on the market made by reputable companies but 2 of my favorites are Shearwater and Ranger.   If you’re interested in checking one out head over to Performance Marine in Key Largo or Islamorada Boat Center. 

The warmer water temperatures have really fired-up the snook in the backcountry.  This week’s snook bite brought back memories of last spring and summer when the snook were plentiful and willing to eat.  We had several days this week where we caught 20-30 snook pitching pilchards along the mangroves.  As always, the key to finding those snook feeding stations is by finding a good supply of finger mullet moving along the shoreline or through the creeks.  Most of the snook have been in the 18-24 inch range with a few keepers mixed-in.  Thanks to stricter regulations and more people practicing catch and release, the snook population is booming in Florida Bay.  The trout bite has not been that great with the heavy winds, but as soon as it lays down I expect the big females to start biting more consistently.  The islands are full of sharks meandering around in search of their next meal.  We’ve been having plenty of fun sight fishing for bonnethead and lemon sharks on light tackle. All you need is about 8 inches of wire with a HookUp Lure jighead and some live shrimp.  Sharks do not have very good eyesight so cast your baits past the shark and work it right across their nose.  Sharks are a blast on light tackle and can run as hard as any other shallow water species…

Courtesy of Captain Lain Goodwin from The Weekly Fisherman