Manatee County Reports – Capt. Markham

By Ray Markham

     Tuesday morning, the leading edge of a cold front arrived, dumping heavy rain and bringing high winds that created some immediate changes in fishing conditions that will linger on through this weekend. While high pressure that moves in following the front will be providing some beautiful weather, some negatives for fishing will also hang on for the next several days.

     The negative changes affect fish and generally throw off their feeding patterns, and at times give them lockjaw for several days after they occur. Some of these changes include a change in the water salinity, water temperature, water color, and water clarity. On Wednesday, we witnessed all of these changes, including the slow bite. Murky, muddy water stirred up by the wind replaced the clear conditions of last week. In areas that were protected from the wind, a tannin stain that came about from the heavy rainfall also flushed vegetation out of the mangroves making the water a dark tea color, replacing the crystal clear waters of the backcountry. Overnight, the water temperature dropped nearly 5 degrees, shocking fish and closing their mouths.

     We had to work for every fish we caught. No schooling redfish were to be found as they were prior to this front. Baitfish schools scattered and moved, which likely moved the predators as well. Despite all these negatives, my clients were still able to catch a mixed bag of fish to take home. Flounder, mangrove snapper, speckled trout, grunts, jacks, and snook were all caught, but the elusive redfish kept my anglers from getting their Grand Slams.

     Cooler air has already been felt as this front moves past us. Call it a late season cold front or just a reprieve from the near record warm temperatures we have had lately. Either way, the changes it brings are welcomed, but for the negative changes it brings to our fishing will pass.

     Capt. Ray Markham specializes in light tackle fishing with artificial lures and charters out of lower Tampa Bay area and may be reached via his website at www.CaptainRayMarkham.com, at ray.markham@gmail.com, or at (941) 723-2655 for charter.