http://www.tampabay.com/sports/outdoors/captains-corner-post-irma-finding-clear-water-is-the-challenge/2338046
The water has been pretty murky since Irma hit. Some clarity had developed, then the wind began blowing from the northwest, making it dirty again. Bait has been holding in its usual spots, but the fish have definitely moved around. Cleaner water has been the most productive, if you can find it. Trout prefer the clean waters, at least in the northern Pinellas region. Grass flats around the passes remain murky, so look toward the eastern shore for slightly better conditions. Redfish were starting to eat pretty well but for the moment are spotty. They will have an easier time locating cut baits that leave a scent trail. I’m sure they will return to the mangrove shorelines and oyster bars soon, schooling as they did before Irma. The water has also cooled a bit, so once conditions get back to normal I expect the fishing to get real good. Snook always get a little excited when the fall weather brings cooler waters, typically signaling them to start their transition to the back country. If boating, please be wary of any object floating ahead of you. Sometimes only a small portion of a large item can be showing above the water. Often, items like patio furniture and parts of docks float around for days after a strong storm. Any unusual patterns on the water deserve caution.
Brian Caudill fishes from Clearwater to Tarpon Springs. He can be reached at (727) 365-7560 and captbrian.com.
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