The Tampa Bay Times
Most guides make very thorough preparations prior to a trip with clients. Tackle, equipment, weather, tides, water levels, and boat preparation in both fresh and saltwater are needed so that arriving at our launch area should not be a surprise. Since most of my fishing is with a fly rod in relatively shallow water, it is especially important that I have a good idea about water height and temperature, tidal movement, when high and low tides occur even water clarity. Fortunately, we have a source that gives us most of these answers. The USGS (United States Geological Survey) is a science bureau within the United States Department of the Interior. The USGS provides science about the natural hazards that threaten lives and livelihoods; the water, energy, minerals, and other natural resources we rely on; the health of our ecosystems and environment; and the impacts of climate and land-use change. I will bookmark or do a search for potential fishing locations such as Pinellas Point or Crystal River and include USGS with the name. The special units are often seen as a control box on a telephone-type pole in the water high enough to be floodproof with electronic sensors that keep the solar battery power safe. Precipitation in total inches, discharge in cubic feet per second, gauge height in feet, and water temperature for the last week including the day you look are usually displayed. After doing this a few times you will find this not only easy but very beneficial making your fishing experience more rewarding, productive, and safe.
Fly fisherman and casting instructor Pat Damico charters Fly Guy in lower Tampa Bay and can be reached at captpatdamico.com and (727) 504-8649.
- Capiains Corner. Damico - December 26, 2023
- Pat Damico - December 21, 2023
- CaptainsCorner: Pat Damico - November 27, 2023
