A unique website dedicated to fishing information from Florida's Northern Big Bend. This includes the area from the Econfina River west to the Apalachicola River
Got a window of opportunity to go tomorrow and will likely at least drive down to the coast to see how scattered the predicted showers actually are.
Not normally going with suspect weather in the forecast, just thought I would ask those of you who have gone out during summer fronts for any knowledge/tips that might help... will the recent water dumps along with the summer water temps have the inshore fish pushed even deeper? Do you find that the slight dip in temps the "cool" summer fronts bring shut off the bite just as much as cold fronts do in spring/fall or is any effect much more muted? Any wisdom to impart on questions I'm not smart enough to ask?
And wouldn't normally bother asking the questions, but got out-of-state company visiting and hate not to put them on at least a few fish!
"The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank GOD for the United States Marine Corps." Eleanor Roosevelt, 1945
BBG,
Water temps have definitely cooled. I recorded low 80s on Tuesday during my charter out of Lanark. Prior to the recent rains, temps were pushing close to 90.
I've been out during summer months when the bite was totally off, sat through a cooling shower and afterwards had the reds turn on like gangbusters in depths less than 3 feet. Falling atmospheric pressure triggered by an approaching front often also triggers a feeding frenzy.
Trout move in and out of deeper water depending on heat/cold. That said, access to deep creek channels off nearby flats is also prime habitat. Reds are much more tolerant of temperature extremes and will typically stay in their comfort zone in the shallows.
Bottom line: There's always a 30-40 percent chance of showers throughout the summer. If you get the opportunity, go. Just don't forget to pack the rain gear.
Bottom line: There's always a 30-40 percent chance of showers throughout the summer. If you get the opportunity, go. Just don't forget to pack the rain gear.
Been caught in enough summer storms that WEREN'T predicted to know the truth in the advice.
Only bummer for me is I like the Econ area but don't like having my window of tide as low as it is from 10:30am until 2:30pm tomorrow so likely will instead put in at St. Marks in order to safely travel in/out of the channel. Don't mind flirting with bad weather but neither do I like being forced to be married to it sitting out in the flats with lighting striking around me while I'm unable to run in.
"The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank GOD for the United States Marine Corps." Eleanor Roosevelt, 1945
I hear ya on the lightning. I've got a big enough forward compartment on the Bayshore that I can get always in there and hide. There have been times though when the graphite fly rods start humming with static electricity. That raises the hair on the back of your neck, literally, especially when you're holding one. Increases the pucker factor, too.
big bend gyrene wrote:And wouldn't normally bother asking the questions, but got out-of-state company visiting and hate not to put them on at least a few fish!
Don't worry 'bout it, Brudda. Visiting high school buddies always bring good luck.
To fish, or not to fish, . . . those are the answers.
I would give it a shot. The low tide late morning and early afternoon will likely keep you out of the creeks and grass lines. There has been lots of floating grass, but you should be able to find fish in the 4-6 foot area. Any kind of weedless set up helps.
Early is going to be your best bet. The water and air temps will be more comfortable and the chance of thunder storms will be less. Sunday is going to be flatter than Saturday. You should not have any trouble getting your boat in and out of the light house ramp, even at low tide.
Semper Fi
FF
