The Tampa Bay Times
Conditions are finally starting to get back to normal after the extreme wind and rain that has been battering our area. Thankfully, the end result for many of us was less devastating than anticipated. Many of our shallow-water species have made changes to their normal habits after being in more of a survival mode. Fish have an uncanny ability to know when to head to deeper water sanctuaries to wait out drastic changes. It may take some time for them to resume normal feeding activity. Our shallow-water fishery incurred some significant topographic changes from the high winds and rough water action. While skinny water fish that we usually pursue are adjusting to the changes, we will have to do the same. Dirty water will improve where there is a lot of healthy seagrass. Initial trips, especially with boats should be slow and cautious. There will be floating and submerged obstacles. Pick a sunny day with little wind and visit your favorite flats to look for bait and fish. Wading birds that feed on worms, crabs, shrimp and baitfish already have this figured out. They can be a great indicator of where you want to fish. Irregularities in shallow flats will harbor fish necessitating good Polaroid glasses and a hat with a dark brim to improve visibility. Learn to be a good observer. It will be more like hunting than fishing and will pay large dividends over time.
Fly fisherman Pat Damico charters Fly Guy in lower Tampa Bay and can be reached at captpatdamico.com and (727) 504-8649.
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