**Captain Jeff’s Corner **

** the snook harvest season will close on December 1st in the Gulf, Everglades and Monroe County and will reopen March 1st. In the Atlantic, the season will close on December 15th and reopen February 1st.If you do intend on trying to possess a snook, make sure you’re aware of the new regulations.For oversized and undersized snook, please handle these fish with care as their survival is important for the future of the species. With high water temperatures these fish do not fare well if they are kept out of the water for a long time. If at all possible, leave them in the water as you remove the hook and get the fish on its way as quickly as you can. Anyone interested in more suggested guidelines for catch and release can send me an email, I’d be happy to share my recommendations with you.Several years ago, after the brutal Red Tide of 2005, I decided not to keep snook anymore. But there are other options out there if I want to bring some fish home for dinner. There isn’t much better time than right now to catch mangrove snapper in the inshore waters. Fish the structure: Rockpiles, pilings, wrecks, bridges and oyster bars for these crafty fish. They have keen eyesight and a fluorocarbon leader is a great way to disguise the line. Small live baits or fresh dead baits will get eaten by the snapper. They’re excellent eating and fun to catch.Pompano is another item I put on my menu from time-to-time. Bouncing small jigs off the bottom around Tampa Bay bridges, piers and Gulf passes will get pounded by the pompano if they are there. Doc’s Goofy jigs with a small teaser added are a great way to target pompano.Redfish action has been excellent. As the Fall approaches that will get even better with larger fish moving into the area.
Big incoming tides in Northern Pinellas County should have redfish pushed up to the trees in the late morning hours. Earlier in the day, you’ll probably find them lingering in the sandy patches a ways out from the mangrove shorelines waiting for the water to rise so they can head in toward the trees.Speckled trout action has been steady but the very small fish have been the ones most likely to grab lures. Bending down the barbs on your jig hooks will help you to safely and more easily release these particularly delicate fish.Sharks will be sighted on the deeper flats. Bonnetheads and blacktips are “regulars” this time of year.Good luck if you go! And be safe out there!