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Water Temps Rebounding

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 14, 2009

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

Fishing bounced back during the past week from an extreme lull caused by the cold temperatures.

Freezing nights just more than a week ago dropped the water temperature on the flats of Terra Ceia to an uncomfortable 52 degrees in the coldest areas early in the morning.

In just more than a week's time, the water temperature in some areas of the bay registered 20 degrees higher, reaching as high as 72. Where most fish were stunned by the cold last week, all but the redfish were refusing to eat.

This week was a different story. Winter days on the water start late for me, generally beginning in the afternoon. We could start earlier, depending on the water temperature, but with the temps being generally in the mid-60s lately it hasn't made much sense to do so.

Wednesday afternoon, trout were chewing our baits with regularity after the big rise in the mercury.

A combination of the night-glow CAL Shad, DOA Shrimp, and MirrOlure MirrOdine XL baits accounted for more than 50 trout and redfish, along with a few ladyfish and catfish.

Topwater baits still were not productive, but fish were starting to follow these lures. That tells me their metabolic rates are on the rise, and the fish could be feeding on top soon.

With continued warm weather, I would expect Spanish mackerel and bluefish to be active in lower Tampa Bay again just about anytime.

Snook are still a couple of weeks away from the open season, but typically the season reopens with a slow bite, as water temperatures are still down in the 60s.

If water temps are up into the 70s, you could look for some good action centered on days with good tidal flow.

Ray Markham co-hosts "Florida Sportsman Magazine Radio Live," Saturdays from 7-8 a.m. on 1040 AM, and may be reached for charter at (941) 723-2655.

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