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Stormy Weather Moves Fish

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By RAY MARKHAM

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 20, 2008

GO FISHING is a daily look at the area fishing scene through the eyes of local charter boat captains and fishing guides. Today: Ray Markham.

There is nothing like a hurricane or tropical storm for changing fishing conditions. While we waited and watched Fay, fish were being affected in advance of the storm.

Changes on the water will move fish around and make them feed heavily before the storms arrive. Rapidly falling barometric pressure sometimes can trigger major feeding frenzies, but prolonged dropping pressure can shut the bite down for a couple of days.

Approaching storms bring high winds, and westerly winds increase the size of the waves. The longer the waves have to roll, the more they pick up height. As the wind hits the mainland, water is pushed up onto shore, increasing the tide heights.

Abnormally low barometric pressure also allows the water to rise higher. But easterly winds Monday night did just the opposite, blowing water out of the bays.
High winds also make the water cloudy, and fish have a difficult time finding food in these conditions. Bright-colored lures are easier for fish to find.

Fish will seek the shelter of mangrove-lined backcountry areas. Snook will head for deep water, and in some cases move inside passes on the lee side of barrier islands with deeper water.

Look for fishing to return to normal a couple of days after Fay passes.

Ray Markham co-hosts "Florida Sportsman Magazine Radio Live," Saturdays from 8-9 a.m. on WWBA, 1040 AM, and may be reached for charter at (941) 723-2655.

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