Estero Bay, snook and redfish are biting

{%image_id=49548%}Here in Southwest Florida we are coming up on the full moon in just a few days. We are also getting closer and closer to the Fall equinox. The fishing doesn't get much better during this time frame. It's all about the tides and the water will be moving big time as we approach October. The best part? Redfish will be on the move! Pilchards are schooled up on the beaches by the thousands. Even if you're not the bet cast net thrower you should be able to get it done in one or two throws. Once that's accomplished add a few dozen shrimp to the mix and you are all set for a great morning on the water. The past week revealed a concentration of snook, redfish and tarpon along the beaches and in the backcountry of Estero Bay. An early morning start really made the difference in working the docks and passes. Take those pilchards and hook them up on some light tackle gear with a 2/0 circle hook and 30 pound leader. That outfit will work well for just about anything you might run into. During a recent trip with Mike Fielding we landed this big snook shown in the photo. It was 36 inches in length and weighed an estimated 15 pounds. Quite a battle on light tackle! She was released to fight another day. Later in the morning we started chumming cut bait for redfish. Got quite a few around the oyster bars and along the deeper shorelines.