Charlotte Harbor has become the land of the oversize Reds. Down by Two Pines to the bars outside Jug Creek, there are bunches of oversized reds. Baits form cut fish to chunks of crab, are bringing in big Reds around the 30 inch mark. For the lure people, use 3/4 ounce gold spoons. Swim them slow as to wobble not spin, when you retrieve it.
For those of us who want big fish with more jump, splash, and trash to them try trolling along the bridges. Put on a chartreuse bomber 15 or 16. Hold the rod at a 90 degree angle from the boat. No rod holder stuff here, keep the rod in your hand. By holding the rod at 90 degrees out the side of the boat you can run the boat 8 feet off the pilings and drag your lure within a foot of the pilings. Turn out as soon as you get a bump so you can pull the fish away from the pilings. It takes a little practice, but it is fun a watch a big ole Snook break you off, then come to the surface, swinging it’s head, thrash the water then toss the lure, flinging the lure back at you with a look of, ha-ha try again loser. Well that is what it seems like they are saying anyway. Maybe I am taking this too personal? Anyway it is fun, and can be done by any bridge.
Good luck & have fun out there