Blackthorn Memorial-----Before we discuss the fishing report I would like to remind everyone that January 28th is the anniversary of the Blackthorn disaster that occurred here in 1980.  23 brave men lost thier lives.  Please keep them and their families in your hearts and support our USCG.

 

The water temperature is rising, and the fish are waking up and realizing they are hungry.  Although this kill has been the largest since the red tide, there are still fish out there, and yes they are alive!  Recently there have been some Gags in excess of 26" caught off the South Pier.  We are still pulling in Sheepshead using live shrimp, sand fleas, and fiddler crabs.  A few trout, silver and speckled are being landed. 

 

Yesterday there were a few Spanish Mackeral spotted off the South Pier, which will increase as the whitebait moves in.  This is all good news and we are filled with optimism, that the long, dreary, dormant phase of this unusal winter has passed.

 

We are catching lots of pinfish and the bait suppliers are providing us with plenty of good sized live shrimp.  The water pumping into our bait tanks is crystal clear.

 

The media is portraying a very negative picture after Mother Nature has been rough on us.  Fish have been killed, but uncommonly for this time of year, some fish are reproducing earlier than usual.   Try to remain positive, and when releasing undersize or out of season fish, please be gentle.  Before you drop a line, be familiar with the current regulations which you will find at www.myfwc.com, keep a lawstick or ruler and do your homework. 

 

See you at the Skyway!

 

Jamie