This hurricane season may be nature's way of reminding us who's boss, but all right already.
If I see another stack of plywood or another bag over the nozzle of a gas pump or have to wait for a parking spot at one of our home improvement stores in September, it'll be too soon.
While Ivan missed the Tampa Bay area for the most part, anglers in boats will have to be cautious while dealing with the storm's far-reaching effects. Patience is required in these situations.
After having taken measures to secure safety onshore during uncertain weather, we can surely wait a few days to get offshore.
At least in some locations, land-based anglers have thrived in these conditions. On a trip Tuesday to the Gulf Pier at Fort De Soto, I saw dozens of mackerel caught by a handful of anglers. Easterly winds and a roaring incoming tide kept the water from becoming muddy, and huge schools of whitebait, greenbacks and Spanish sardines were there.
Tarpon have taken advantage of the ample supply of bait, and pier regulars have reported seeing dozens over the past week or two.
Justin Mastry and Tony Cellamare used a crack in the weather for an offshore trip last week. Thirty miles southwest of Pass-a-Grille in 91 feet, they caught several keeper grouper and a few snapper in the 6- to 7-pound range until weather deteriorated. Too rough to get offshore the next day, they hauled in a couple keepers trolling deep-diving plugs in the channel near the Skyway.
While waiting for the weather to clear, do some maintenance. There won't be a better time to change a water pump, replace old anchor rope and chain or fix cracks in your boat's gel coat. And now's the time to check trailer bearings.
Jay Mastry charters Jaybird out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 321-2142.
