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Outdoors

Stay on top of current events

By Times Staff Writer
Published January 14, 2006

A timeless joke describes an out-of-towner asking a local how to get from where he's standing to where he's going.

Though misleading, the local's coy response of "You can't get there from here" bears a subtle dose of truth.

Of course, the fact is that you can get anywhere in the world from anywhere in the world. You're just not always able to travel in a straight line. Such is the way of inshore navigation - especially in the rocky nearshore waters common throughout much of the Nature Coast.

From the outer grass line of a coastal marsh, the course to a promising point may seem to lie directly across open water, but a hidden minefield of oyster bars and rock piles might make an end run the prudent choice.

Winter presents particularly hazardous potential, as this time of year sees extreme low tides, which lessen the clearance between vessels and solid objects.

Additionally, a falling tide can sequester backwater bays, creeks and "secret spots" from outer channels. Access becomes limited, if not denied, and attempting to force your way amounts to little more than a lesson in futility.

Likewise, don't get caught in the tidal trap. Venturing into the shallow areas on high water is fine, as long as you exit within the first half of the outgoing cycle. Any later and you'll face a rapid draining of navigable waters.

Speaking from personal experience, few things wound one's pride like sitting high and dry for several hours, awaiting sufficient water depth to escape.

On the upside, winter's low tides coupled with clear water allows optimal visibility for scouting.

Idle through areas of interest and note rock piles, oyster reefs, potholes and grass beds. All of these features will affect how, when and where you fish during higher water, so make notes, take photos and compile a personal chart.

Anglers who work with the tide cycles quickly find that moving water provides opportunities for fish and fishermen.

High tide enables redfish to push into the marsh grass where crabs burrow and snails cling to stalks. Outgoing water creates ambush spots where predators pick off passing meals.

In the latter scenario, anchor along the edge of a creek and present baits to the opposite bank, so as not to spook your quarry. Spots where oyster bars jut out from grass lines are especially productive.

You can easily tell when and where the tide is rolling with a glance to the marsh grass. Along the edges, current bends thin blades in the direction of its flow. At points and curves in a run-out creek or marsh cut, water gains momentum and lays the grass horizontally.

For best results, set up on the edge of a major artery where falling water from multiple drains gathers, picks up steam and rushes through the bottleneck. Redfish, trout and sheepshead patrol these banks and feast on whatever the tide delivers.

Bouncing a jig works well, but predators can't resist a fresh shrimp hooked through the tail.

Cast upcurrent, let the bait drift through the target zone and repeat. With more than one person fishing, you'll need to monitor line position to avoid tangles. Staggered drifts are the way to go.

Hungry rocks present a constant challenge, and donating a few rigs is part of the game. Finesse your bait across the gauntlet with occasional hops, but forget corks - your bait will zip past the fish too quickly.

Strikes can occur anywhere, but if you can reach the back of a point where water rushes past, you'll often find fish taking the lazy approach in slack water. Baits cast there often meet eager jaws within seconds of splashing down.

Nature runs on logic, not emotion. So regardless of how we feel about it, those of us who traverse local waterways must play by a clear set of rules or face some pretty stiff consequences such as lost propellers, sand bar strandings and worse.

The key is learning to understand what you're looking at and how to interpret it. For example, ripples and waves mean sufficient depth for the wind to raise the water. Slick, shiny spots indicate treacherous shallows that you really need to avoid.

Moreover, take note of water breaking over a tightly defined area. This typically results from briny flow swirling around the tip of an object. Wading birds offer another indicator of shallow water. Regardless of how much water you think a bay holds, spotting a heron or egret standing ankle-deep means there's at least one shallow spot. Pay attention and proceed with caution.

[Last modified January 14, 2006, 01:38:14]