April 3, 2005 -- Oh Where, Oh Where, Has Our Water all gone!

If we continue to lose water, we will be able to walk to the I.C.W. Our tides are 1’6” below normal!! Couple this with changing wind directions and you have a real formula for TUFF fishing conditions. Last week saw strong winds from both the north and the south. These conditions continue to aggravate our bay system in the form of poor water clarity. The BIG positive with our tides running extremely low means once we get a sustained south breeze we will see the blue green water pour in from the Gulf. The introduction of fresh Gulf water will do much to clear our water and fill our bay to spring levels.

With the new water, additional spring spots will open to fish which are now bare dry land. Look for Peyton’s and Gladys’ to turn on. We continue to have GOOD shrimp in our bay and if you fancy chasing birds look for large schools of small trout along the I.C.W. working the shrimp over.

We just finished hosting our good friends the “MULLETS” when you put those guys on the hunt you can always bank on someone finding the fish. As per S.O.P., one group did just that; fighting 25 to 35 M.P.H. winds they alone provided the group fish for a great fish fry and lots of good natured ribbing. All three anglers caught their limits of trout 17 to 19” plus.

The pattern was soft plastics worked under birds in 8 to 10 foot of water. The fish were suspended below the shrimp, and birds.

Shirley and I admire these fellows as they donated all their tournament money and along with an auction sent a nice check to one of their families suffering the loss of a DAD, FATHER, HUSBAND and GREAT FRIEND. JOE SARNA!

Joe was always the quiet one, and Shirley and I miss you much. God Bless your family.

We also had two young anglers from Boston and Maine who kayak fished in the 25 to 35 M.P.H. winds and still managed to catch and release 8 slot reds on fly fishing tackle. Joe and Jesse get the iron man award for doing battle FROM a Kayak with our wind. They showed determination and were rewarded for their efforts. With just a little south winds, look for fishing to really turn on and start our usual spring patterns and catch rates.