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By DOUG HEMMER
© St. Petersburg Times, published September 5, 2001
Strong tides are the key to catching fish in warm water. Fast currents pull cool water out of deep channels and spread it across shallow flats. As temperatures drop, fish move out of holes and channels bordering flats to feed on the edges, but they don't stay long.
Look for predators to head for mangroves as water cools. Minnows, crabs and shrimp hide from redfish under the roots. Schools of fry swim in tight pods to avoid snook.
Fishing has been hit or miss during medium to slow tides. Look for action to increase during strong tides in the morning.
When the tide is slow, try areas with deep water. Grouper, snapper and sheepshead feed as currents slow. Tampa Bay has grouper in the ship channel, snapper at the Skyway and sheepshead around structure close to the beach.
- Doug Hemmer charters out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 347-1389.