ANYONE SEEN OLD MAN WINTER?

     

As I sit here writing this, we have had 11 consecutive days of over 80 degrees, and aside from another blip of a "front" moving through this week, it seems like we will continue with a warm, record breaking February. With the water temperature hovering in the low to mid 70s, the fishing has been spectacular, particularly for the snook who I'm sure don't know if it's late fall or early spring. All they know is bait is still plentiful in the bay and they are eating to their hearts content. 

     Although they did just announce an extension of "catch and release only" for snook, redfish and trout, we

DOG DAYS ARE OVER!!!

It has been an incredible summer where I've been able to enjoy many happy anglers catching an abundance and incredible variety of fish. I also truly enjoy catering to the diversity each group brings. On a "family fishing trip" we might bend some rods, chase dolphins, look for sand dollars and feed the pelicans, whereas, the hardcore anglers might be targeting a bucket list fish like a tarpon or big snook. This summer I also partnered with the Florida Fantasy Fishing Camp and had some outstanding weeks with young anglers from ages 8-13.  It's really a great place for kids who love to fish and the outdoors. As for our fishing here in the bay, the weather, as usual, has been our biggest variable, with some extended periods of west wind and morning rains making things a challenge, especially for those targeting Tarpon. On the other hand, it has cooled water temps and kept the inshore bite going during these "Dog Days" we've been in. 

     There are acres of sardines in the bay and no signs of the nasty red tide that plagued our coast last year. In fact, the water quality has been as good as ever and we are catching plenty of quality fish. The snook and snapper bite has been excellent all summer and the recent rains has also brought a good push of redfish into the bay. This is a great time of year to chase juvenile tarpon as well as some tackle testing jacks that patrol our area this time of year. The Spanish Mackerel bite has picked back up with the cooler water temps and I expect the Kingfish to be showing up very soon too. We are also still catching some nice trout (for this time of year) as well as plenty of sharks and ladyfish keeping rods bent.  Lots of stuff to catch, as well as see, and the next couple months should be even better where the weather starts to cool and the fishing gets even hotter!! So, give me a call, grab a kid and let's go! Tight lines!! Capt. Chris (813) 908-6222