Outdoors

Captain's corner

By Ed Walker
Published January 12, 2008

While many species of inshore fish were killed in the recent cold snap, others seem to have survived and are thriving.

The bad news: The scene on the flats near the Anclote power plant is not a good one. The bottom is littered with dead jacks, ladyfish, snook, pompano, permit, and even forage fish. Some have now decayed to the point that they are floating and are being blown into nearby coves and canals. Reports of dead snook have also poured in from Fort Myers to New Port Richey. Guide Van Hubbard of Englewood reports "hundreds of snook that had moved out into the shallows of Bull and Turtle bays due to the abnormally warm weather were caught off guard by the sudden temperature drop and died."

The good news:Redfish and trout are noticeably absent from the dead fish piles. Both tolerate cold water. Anglers targeting them in the North Pinellas area report the fishing has been very good for both during the past week. Bluefish are another species that do not mind the cold, in fact they seem to prefer it. Schools of 1- to 3-pounders, known by many Northeastern fishermen as "snapper blues," have gathered in several areas from Clearwater to Tarpon Springs.

Ed Walker charters out of Tarpon Springs. Call 727 944-3474 or e-mail info@lighttacklecharters.com.

[Last modified January 12, 2008, 13:37:40]