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Captain's Corner

By DOUG HEMMER

© St. Petersburg Times, published April 17, 2001

The most important part of angling is finding fish. Expensive boats and tackle do no good if you don't know how to find fish. Fishing reports in the paper give general information on what fish are eating and the areas they are in during certain times.

Weather can change fishing conditions overnight. Water that was clear gets dirty. Winds hold up the tide or make it stronger. These occurrences will make fish change their patterns for a few days. If the water gets dirty, look for cleaner areas nearby. When the water temperature gets cool, look for warmer spots. If it gets too hot, find colder areas.

Most times fish won't need to travel far to find favorable conditions. As we move into summer, the most important thing to watch is water temperature. Look for areas that have the coldest water. Reds and snook hide under docks and mangroves for the shade.

Trout like to hide in deeper grass in areas with a strong tide. Grouper and kings go deep for cooler water. Tarpon, on the other hand, love the heat and stay put through the heat of summer. Staying on top of conditions will help when it comes to finding fish.

- Doug Hemmer charters out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 347-1389.

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