Captains Corner, Dave Zalewski

The Tampa Bay Times

Dave Zalewski 460-9893

There is not much to write about because of the severe weather that we have been experiencing since the first of the year. Front after front has kept us in port because of high seas and rain. Inshore guides have been able to get out on some days and have had successful trips in sheltered water in the bays and residential canals. On some days with a strong easterly wind we have had visiting clients that look out from gulf side hotel rooms and comment “It is calm near the shoreline, why are we canceling?” Close to shore waters are protected by the lee of the land. With strong easterlies, the further out one goes, the rougher it gets. I keep a pair of binoculars in the truck and if I have any concerns about going or not, focus on the horizon to see how sea conditions are offshore. There are many wind apps that give one not only current conditions but also a forecast as to what to expect in the near future. I have bookmarked Station 4208 from the National Data Buoy Center which is near the Egmont Channel Entrance and gives real time data regarding wave height.
The silver lining in this dark weather cloud is that very few people have ventured out offshore and when we can get out there will be more fish to target.