Cold air, water temps affect snook 

Anna Maria Island anglers are thankful that despite seeing of the coldest temperatures in years, our snook population managed to hang on with no major casualties. 

Comparably speaking, we did quite well while reports from our neighbor to the north of us, and even on the east coast of Florida are witnessing some major fish kills. 

Water temperatures play a major role in a snook’s survival and once the water reaches an intolerable level, snook begin to suffer. Water temperatures of 60 degrees can cause extreme stress and once temps drop down into the 55-degree range snook experience lethargy and even death. Drops in the low 40s is generally fatal. 

Sustained cold is the real danger which, luckily for us in West Central Florida re rarely see extreme cold temperatures for more than a couple of days. But the frequency and degree of the cold fronts during the past two weeks has had the potential to do some damage. 

Fortunately, our snook managed to ride out the storm by finding areas of shelter such as deep water canals, and possibly the artificial reefs in the gulf. 

So hang in there snook — spring and warmer temps will soon be upon us.

As far as fishing goes, most anglers are targeting species that are more hardy when it comes to cold water. Sheepshead, black drum and redfish top the list while fishing inshore. All three enjoy live shrimp as bait, which, at least makes getting bait easy. 

Pompano are susceptible to a live shrimp, especially when a small piece is added to a jig and cast out into the surf or in the passes. 

If the inshore bite is slow from the cold, moving out to deeper water in the Gulf may add some action to the day. Deeper water seems to remain at a more consistent temperature instead of fluctuating with the air temp like the shallows in the backcountry. 

Reefs and wrecks can be holding sheepshead, snapper and grunts, which are all worthy of a fish fry after a long day of fishing out in the cold air. 

Finally, the same applies for offshore fishing when targeting species such as red grouper and mangrove snapper.