Tips and Techniques to Catch Trophy Fish
Snook are a favorite target among inshore anglers, partly because of how tough they fight. With their speed, head shakes, and acrobatic jumps, hooking a Snook turns a routine fishing trip into a serious test of skill. Beyond just the fight, these fish are known for being smart, selective, and really attuned to their environment, … Read more
© October 25, 2025 by John Kotuby Saltwater flats fishing has become my favorite pastime in the last 6 years since I’ve moved to Florida from Connecticut. I have had good luck catching Snook and Speckled Trout, the Ambush Predators of the backwaters. I attribute that to the fact that up north I fished primarily … Read more
Of all the Southern Coastal game fish, I like Redfish the best because they taste so good and Florida allows open season all year, and I can keep 1 daily if I want. The rules for Snook on the other hand are more severe. To keep a Snook you must obtain a Snook Tag for … Read more
What is Structure? Structure is anything other than flat open bottom It can range in size from a large bridge piling to a wooden dock or a pile of rocks and even a small open area within a bed of sea grass. Why is Structure Important ? Structure provides shelter from larger predators like Dolphins … Read more
One of my favorite types of fishing involves hunting the Ambush Predators that terrorize the salt flats, grass marshes, and backwater canals along the entire southern coast of the US. My favorite species to chase are Snook, Redfish and Speckled Sea Trout. You might find all 3 lurking among the sea grass in depths of … Read more
Stealth Overview Redfish – Red Drum searching shallow water for food. Redfish is a game fish found in the Atlantic Ocean from Massachusetts to Florida and in the Gulf of Mexico from Florida to northern Mexico. The techniques I discuss here, for the most part, pertain to shallow water fishing tactics in lakes and saltwater … Read more
Fishing with Live Earthworms or Nightcrawlers An earthworm hooked in front Allows natural motion when retrieving. When it comes to fishing, there’s just something magical about using live bait, particularly worms. Almost any fish, large or small, will happily eat a live worm. Their movement and scent are just what bass are hunting for. While … Read more
The Double-Edged Sword of Live Worm Fishing I’m going to lay it out straight: live worms can be an incredibly effective bait for bass, and there’s a good reason they’re a go-to choice for many anglers. You’re going to find out about the pros that make these squiggly little creatures so enticing to fish. One … Read more
Catching Largemouth Bass With Shiners Here is a nice 6 lb. Largemouth I caught live-lining a shiner early in the morning in Vermont. Note: To all my southern bass fishing friends, this Bass was caught in Vermont, Yes I know that down south, especially in Florida, Largemouth grow to 10 lb. plus sizes. That is … Read more
Welcome to Catch Big Fish – A Lifetime of Angling Overview of Catch Big Fish – providing expert tips and techniques Hi Fellow Fishing Enthusiasts! Welcome to CatchBigFish.com. My name is John Kotuby, and I am the Founder, Creator and Publisher of this Website. My passion is sport fishing. I have been fishing for over … Read more