This is my first of many conversations with Captain Jeff, the Southeast Florida Fishing Expert:

(Lamont): First of all Captain Jeff, how do you get a "Lunker" Snook? And what do you mean by "Lunker"?

(Captain Jeff): Most of us think we know what a Snook is , but I would like to be clear...the Snook is the heartbeat of inshore fishing in South Florida. People down here want to know how to catch Snook more than any other inshore species.

(Lamont): Certified Ah, that's something I have never heard before?

(Captain Jeff): Ya, certified is something we came up with a while back, because everyone and their mother said they caught a 30lb Snook. The truth is, very few people ever see a Snook over 30lbs, never mind catch one.

(Lamont): Well, how do you go about catching a certified Lunker?

(Captain Jeff): The first thing you must do is make the commitment. See, in order to catch a Lunker like that you have to fish for one. I know you hear about people catching huge Snook throwing plugs and such, but the fact is, almost always its by mistake. Making a commitment to catch that monster will make it a reality. Some guys get lucky-making the commitment and catching one their first season or trip for that matter; the rest of them have to put in a lot of time.

When I was much younger, I was the most committed "Snook Dog" out there. Sometimes I fished 3 or 4 nights in a row without a strike, getting up at 3 a.m. to fish a certain tide, whatever it took, I made the commitment to catch these "Lunkers."

(Lamont): Wow Jeff, I was expecting you to tell me about a certain spot, time of year , or maybe even a bait.

(Captain Jeff): Well, there are a whole bunch of people out there with many different ways and baits to catch big Snook. According to where you are in South Florida things will vary. Down here, I would start with a large mullet head, 2oz barrel weight and about 5 foot of 50lb leader.

Spots - well that is a local decision- so do your best.

(Lamont): Is there any other sound advice you can give us?

(Captain Jeff): Be careful, once you get your Lunker Snook many people get addicted. I have seen many fights among spouses and fights between anglers for creepin' up on other guys spots. Don't laugh- its not funny, snook fishing will test your limits- if you want to get your certified Lunker!

(Lamont): Thanks Captain Jeff, that's definitely a different spin on things.