Today I had the pleasure of taking part in the USF Fishing tournament. The Grand Slam event target the largest Snook, Redfish and Trout. We started the day from Hula Bay in Tampa and made our way to Weedon Island.
Our first stop was targeting redfish and it didn't take long to get the rods bent. A solid 24" red got the day off to a good start. Targeting a large oyster bar we took several more redfish, trout and jacks before we went to chase snook. Cut pinfish and ladyfish on a 2/0 circle hook on 3' of 25 pound fluorocarbon leader was our rigging.
We were chasing Big fish not numbers so I made the short run to one of my favorite snook spots. Snook love the mangroves, deep cuts and strong tidal flow. Within minutes we had our first snook a 16" juvenile snook not at all what I expected. Within minutes the water exploded and a huge 35" + snook went airborne. My angler did a great job getting this big girl out from the mangroves numerous times only to watch the frayed line separate at the boat.
I figured that spot was done but as luck would have it we hooked another nice snook. Once again my anglers did a great job this time landing the 31" beauty. I was sure the action was over until the largest snook I have ever seen inhaled another white bait. This 40"+ snook made 2 runs then into the mangroves and gone.
We ended the day catching trout to 18" completing our Grand Slams. Fun event and a fun group of guys.
Captain Steven Markovich
