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Pre-Frontal Fishing Provides Fast Action

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By RAY MARKHAM

Published: November 25, 2008

Fishing just prior to cold fronts moving into an area can provide some fast action with snook, redfish, trout, and other species. Normally, mild weather, lighter winds and calmer seas exist as the "lull before the storm."

Fish realize this state of being, and as the front moves closer, winds pick up, seas build and atmospheric pressure begins to fall, fish make haste to feed before the waters get so stirred up that it becomes difficult to find food.

Winter could arrive a little earlier this year than normal. At least the fronts we've had are earlier and cooler than in most past years and these conditions are dropping water temperatures as much as 10 degrees lower than the norm for this time of year.

Because of this, I've been fishing winter patterns and haunts where I'll find fish in cooler weather. The flats are producing after mid-day when water temperatures have had a chance to warm by the sun's rays.

Deeper water canals, potholes, and channels are producing well, as are areas of the flats with dark muddy bottoms. Terra Ceia and Joe Bays are prime locations for these conditions.

Fishing tides with good moving water have been most productive. Recently, we've experienced a good bite with flounder. Flatties to 4 pounds have been landed and we've had close to a dozen legal sized flounder per trip.

Trout action has been exceptional, so I've been crimping barbs on hooks to aid in releasing these out-of-season fish unharmed using de-hooking tools. Anglers have been wanting to catch snook before the Dec. 1 closure, but snook have been slow to feed with the water temperatures down.

Afternoon fishing has been most productive for linesiders.

Ray Markham co-hosts "Florida Sportsman Magazine Radio Live," Saturdays from 8-9 a.m. on News Talk 820 AM, and may be reached for charter at (941) 723-2655.

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