FISHING COURTESY

I’ve spent endless hours enjoying the companionship and friendship of other anglers, each sharing numerous stories and adventures. However, pressure to catch fish, inexperience and overcrowding can increase tensions among recreational and professional anglers, undermining a fishing trip.

While we may not do it deliberately, we’ve all gotten too close. And, when we do, we get that familiar “hey you idiot” stare or an oratory of verbal banter and profanity admonishing us for infringing on their fishing spot. Just take it like an adult--apologize and move away.

Common sense and courtesy are simple, and everyone should practice them. There’s plenty of water with loads of places to fish. So, if someone’s in the spot you want to fish, just move on to one of your other spots, or look for new ones. We’ve all been there, traveling long distances to our favorite spot. But, when we arrive, oh my goodness, boats are fishing right there. Well, life happens. Think positive and consider it an opportunity to find new locations.

So, you pack up and leave for another area wondering why anyone would be so inconsiderate as to crowd other anglers? The answer to that question is mainly to catch a fish. More than any other spot violation and fishing protocol, this is probably the number one source of irritation and arguments. We all understand we cannot expect to fish alone, especially on weekends and holidays, and especially those popular hot spots. But, we should expect common sense, courtesy and consideration, especially if you’ve arrived there first. How far is far enough to stay away from another boat? It depends on the area, but a general rule of thumb that’s been around for years is 100 yards. Or, if your cast lands within the casting range of another boat, you’re too close. As a guide spending many hours on the water, I’m sure I’ll make some judgment errors and may do something to irritate a fellow angler. Let me apologize in advance and tell you it will never be deliberate.

BY: CAPT. ANTHONY CORCELLA

Snook And Redfish Are The Hot Bite In March

With the relatively mild winter, snook have continued to be a go to target. The fish are feeding strong on moving tides. They are hitting lures, live and cut bait.

Lures are working well around residential docks and in potholes in the grass flats. Top choices are High Water Lures Get’em Shads on a 1/4-ounce jighead or a suspended hard bait like a MirrOlure. Live greenbacks and handpicked shrimp are working well in the same areas. Bring plenty of live chum along to fire up the snook. If you’re targeting bigger snook, try cut threadfins or ladyfish along the mangrove shorelines. Chumming with small pieces of threadfins will get the bite going.

The big redfish are starting to show up. The big schools haven’t arrived yet, but small pods are on the prowl. Using the same bait and tactics for the snook have been working for reds up to 30 inches.

For gear, try 7-foot 6-inch rods with 3000 size reels loaded with 15-pound braid. A 36-inch leader of 20 to 25-pound fluorocarbon tied to a 2/0 to 3/0 circle hook will get the job done with cut bait. Try 0/1 to 1/0 hooks if fishing live bait.

The trout bite also remains strong with limits of 18 to 20-inch fish common. Jigs and live shrimp are your best bets.

Book a trip and get in on the hot action. We can fish from one to four people on our boats and can accommodate larger groups with our team of experienced captains. The Highwater fishing lures can be bought at St. Pete Fishing Outfitters. Now, it’s time to take these tips and get out there and fish.

— What makes our charter service unique is that we cater to disabled veterans and wheel chair bound clients! Our boat is able to accommodate wheelchairs and is ADA compliant. IF YOU’RE A DISABLED VETERAN, YOUR TRIP IS FREE! This is our way of giving back to our veterans.

Capt. Anthony Corcella, Pocket Change Inshore Fishing Charter - 727-432-6446 www.pocketchangefishingcharters.com | Check us out on Facebook

— Captain Wes Tallyn was raised in Florida and is a fisherman, birder, avid outdoorsman, photographer, and environmental scientist. Wes has a focus on conservation and education in the community and is the owner of Snook Jam Outdoors. You can find him on Instagram @ snookjam or call 727-410-5853.