Captain’s Corner: Brent Gaskill

The Tampa Bay Times

Capt. Brent Gaskill
 
 
 

        Most of my snook spots have been holding mangrove snapper.  The snapper congregate on the same structures and ambush points that the snook also prefer. It doesn’t matter if it’s a fallen tree branch, mangrove roots, or a rocky drop off, both species are there willing to consume well presented baits.  The bonus has been a delightful snapper dinner while still enjoying the catching and releasing of snook.  The baitfish have been very small which is typical this time of year. After the full moon in July I normally scale my cast net mesh size down to 3/16th, to avoid gilling the tiny baits.  The key to scoring a few larger baits has been to throw the net a little up tide and ahead of the small baits dimpling the surface in shallow water.