Captains Corner: Brian Caudill

The Tampa Bay Times

Well, the water has been stirred up pretty good from the most recent hurricane to come near the north Pinellas coast. Fishing had been a bit stagnant due to the higher than normal water temperature and lack of coastal rain. However, this will definitely shake things up a bit and get some fish on the move and hopefully turn things around in the near future. However, one of the biggest dangers that will lie ahead in the next few days while boating is floating debris. Several docks were damaged or completely destroyed with the extra high tide and storm surge along with the winds. This often will dislodge large pieces of dock that can float just under the water’s surface. Overtime these pieces of wood will either sink or make it to shore and be less dangerous but until then boaters need to be extra vigilant. Over the years, I have picked up a lot of debris in the water ways to protect others from damage. Furthermore, previously marked channels can shift slightly and underwater sandbars will have developed in some areas. Polarized sunglasses are vital to be able to identify the seafloor and should always be worn while boating. Of course, they also help to see fish while fishing, but can be even more important currently to prevent running aground. As the days pass, the water will clear and fishing should get back to normal. Days are getting shorter, and the water should begin to cool slightly over the next few weeks.