Well it looks like the rainy season has arrived and that can have numerous effects on fishing. The afternoon thunderstorm pattern that West Central Floridians are used to means we have to plan a fishing trip that ends before the storms arrive. This puts a frown on the guys that like to fish for a few hours after work in the afternoons. With the afternoon thunderstorms comes dangerous lightning and this is what really keeps us off the water when storms are around. Getting wet is not going stop a diehard fisherman, but a bolts of lightning cracking all around you makes even the nuttiest run for cover.
The stormy weather and the rains are not all negative for fishing, there are some benefits. When we haven't had much rain the salinity in the rivers and creeks is high and the Snook and Redfish are slower to move out to the passes and beaches. Not only will the increase in rain bring the fish out to their summer homes, it also makes the water a little dirtier. When we have the crystal clear waters in the spring time, it makes the fish spooky, boat shy and hook shy. You can locate fish and downsize your tackle and you can still have trouble getting them to relax enough to bite. The rains bring a little less water clarity and we can replace frustration from the lack of action to sore arms from fighting fish. The rain can also slow the warming of the water temperatures. The Kingfish and Spanish mackerel are normally more abundant in water temperatures between 72 and 78 degrees. We had a really fast increase in water temperatures over the past few weeks and that has made the Kingfish move farther offshore and to the North. Hopefully the Gulf temperatures will come back down a little and keep the Kingfish around for while longer.
This weekend the tides are going to be outstanding! We are on the new moon phase and will have extreme "hill tides". This means there will be very high tides in the middle of the day followed by extremely low tides in the evening. That rush of water on the falling tide is going to be great for Tarpon and Snook fishing, if the afternoon thunderstorms hold off and allow us to be on the water at that time. Keep an eye on the sky and don't wait to long to run for cover.
Meanwhile we have had some good luck in the past week with Snook to 32 inches and Redfish to 33 inches. Let's see what this week brings between storms. Be careful out there.
Captain Mike Turner is a native of Palmetto and has spent many years fishing the area waters. Call Mike, book a charter with him and let him share his experience with you.
Palmettofishing.com
941-812-0734
