Beach snook; There's more than sand, sun and palm trees when you take a stroll along along the surf from Anna Maria to Boca Grande.(SPORTS)(Outdoors)(Column)

Byline: Steve Gibson

Ken Taylor doesn't need a boat to show he's a savvy angler.

Taylor, who resides in North Port, loves to stroll along Gulf Coast beaches to search for snook and other fish in the surf.

While others head to the beach to dip their toes in salt water, drink a cold beverage or two and soak up some sun, Taylor, a Venice High graduate, has fish on his mind.

"I love it," he said as he put on a backpack full of tackle and grabbed his light spinning rod. "Nothing beats sightfishing for snook in the surf."

Taylor is one of a legion of beach- snookers who have found challenge and excitement in the surf.

"There's …