Capt. Mel:

I work at the Marina Club on the hills. river 5 and 6 days a week. We have been seeing some large fish on the incoming tides rolling and fining in the middle of the river.

They look to be between 3 to 5 ft. in length and have a stripe down their sides. Any idea what they might be?

Signed a fan

David Angel
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Dear David:

What you observed was very likely large snook heading for their winter haunts up in the Hillsborough River. It undoubtedly was triggered by the recent strong cold front.

Thanks,

Capt. Mel Berman

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I love your web site and am a big fan of yours however your tide charts are so frustrating they are never correct. I realize it is not a exact science however you chart is consistently off by hours every time. Please HELP to correct this.

Signed a fan

Dennis Cline
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Dear Dennis:

We have been supplied by our tides program from Dr. Dan McKelvy for many years. He is regarded highly by the meteorological community -- and frankly, over the years we have had very few complaints about his tides predictions. However, I should add that there are many atmospheric conditions and events that affect tides which should be taken into consideration. For example, if you fish at or near a bridge, pass or inlet, the push of water from being squeezed is quite different that waters in a more open area. Also, wind direction also inhibits -- or accelerates the flow. That's why on those cold winter days with strong northerly winds, most water levels are extremely low. Conversely, in the warmer months, south winds keep water levels high and there is often very slow water movement because of that effect.

Finally, let be recommend that you also use the additional links we provide to other tides predictions on our tides page to compare and come to your own conclusions as to which tides program seems to more accurately reflect the tides where you fish.

Thanks for making our CapMel.com site one of your Internet fishing destinations.

Capt. Mel Berman

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Captain Mel,

First time boat owner in Florida (grew up in upstate New York) Purchased a 2004 Proline 220 cc and I need some assistance ya, I have spent countless hours looking and was not able to find much. So here goes.

* Would like to do some offshore fishing and not sure what equipment to buy or what bait to use.

* Will probably go out once or twice a month, the rest will be family time on the boat

* Is there a place to go to find out what to fish for when and what to use?

* Any idea of where I can go to find out where to fish? I know everyone has there own spots but I figured there has to be some place that tells beginners where to go. My dad comes down 6 times a year and all he wants to do is catch something he can filet and eat. HE taught me how to fish up north and at 82 I think it now my trun to teach him. Any help would be appreciated

Jeff Cwiklinski
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Dear Jeff:

Though his classes just began this last Wednesday, you should call Capt. Dave Zalewski (pronounced Zuh-LESS-key) and see if you could take part in the rest of his recreational fishing classes. Capt Dave is one of the premier offshore skippers on Florida's west coast and could certainly brig you up to speed with what you need to know about offshore fishing. You can contact him at 727-397-8815.

Thanks,

Capt. Mel Berman

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Hey Capt Mel:

Just curious where you would suggest as a “best spot” for Redfish in the bay or local inter-coastal?

Thanks,

Gene Kent
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Dear Gene:

Instead of pin-pointing specific redfishing locations, I think that you would be better served if you learn when, where and how to fish for them. Therefore, let me recommend that your read the following CapMel.com articles which are quite instructive and should advance your redfishing capabilities:

http://capmel.com/redfish_tactics.htm

http://capmel.com/redfishing_101.htm

Also,it would be very worthwhile to hire one of our talented local guides who specialize in targeting reds. (See http://capmel.com/charters.htm.) They will not only provide for a very productive day on the water, but also be able to show you what you need to know to go out on your own and catch reds.

Thanks for making our CapMel.com site one of your Internet fishing destinations.

Capt. Mel Berman

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