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Bay waters were just beginning to clear from a strong cold front a week ago when this weekend's cold front brought high north winds, mudding coastal waters.
Fortunately there are protected areas not affected by the wind, and these produce nice fish as long as you're willing to put in some time. Residential canals are the best bet, but not all canals are equal. It's a good idea to scout for the better ones.
Look for canals that dead-end to the north. These are protected from north winds, and the water will be cleaner and won't cool as quickly as in canals that dead-end to the south.
Another important factor is to look for canals with deep water. Fish seek deep water for warmth and security. The easiest way to find deep spots in canals is to look for big sailboats, which have deeper drafts than most power boats of the same length. Also look for canals with dark, muddy bottoms. The thick black mud retains heat longer than light sandy bottoms.
While fishing, respect the property around the canal. Try not to cast onto docks or boats, and don't try to retrieve bait from these structures unless invited. This goes a long way in allowing good relationships between property owners and anglers.
- Rick Frazier runs Lucky Dawg Charters out of St. Petersburg and can be reached at 727 510-4376 or by e-mail at captrick@luckydawg.com