The ramifications of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill aren’t even beginning to show as over 5000 barrels pour into the water every day. It has spread dramatically as weather and possibly a higher flow rate combined to create what will surpass (and probably not look back) the Exxon Valdez; the full extent of the damage can only be conjectured. Even as far back as May 1st the Coast Guard stated it was nearly impossible to figure out the quantity of oil released in just the ten days since April 20th. At the 5000-barrels-a-day rate, obviously that figure would be around 150,000 barrels by mid-May.

 The blame game started in earnest May 2nd, but Lamar McKay appeared before Congress on the 11th, and might as well have bathed in the Gulf’s waters, as slippery as he was. I’m sure he could may make a great politician some day, as he said a lot while saying nothing.

Fishing has picked up with the warm water temperatures; I have seen surface temps as high as 80 degrees this week. Near shore species included Spanish and King Mackerel. Inshore species included Redfish, Seatrout, and Pompano.

On a trip to the Fisher Reef with two couples last week we had non-stop action on the Spanish and King Macks. The count ended with eight Kings to 14lbs and I lost track of the Spanish—had to be over thirty. I netted white bait off of North Lido Beach prior to picking up the anglers. A 1/o long shanked hook, about 12 inches of light wire, and a small barrel swivel did the trick. It was pretty crazy out there, I counted eighteen boats at one time. I believe with this type of species it really helps to have lots of bait in the water—the fish get fired up with all the action. So I really didn’t mind the crowd.

Staying too long in one place can ruin a good thing.  At least that’s the case with boaters making lengthy journeys, who are finding themselves targets of cash-hungry states looking to balance their budgets.

    In most states, a privately owned recreational boat must be registered in the state where it is principally used, and any taxes paid to that state. A problem arises when the boat leaves this principal-use state and enters a new one, either for a long visit, extended cruise or lengthy repairs.

Hi, everyone. You can come out now. All, or most, of the snowbirds have gone home. The restaurants and shopping malls are empty. The cold weather is behind us and the waterways are like a sheet of glass. However the big blast of cold did have its impact on the fish and manatee population. They were not ready for the coldest cold snap in 28 years. We lost a lot of Snook, Bream, and Catfish. However, the Reds did well. One of my kayak-fishing clients snagged a 30-incher in the mangroves the other day, on shrimp. We have been seeing a lot of mid-sized Snook. Don’t forget the season for them is closed, Maybe it won’t be long before they get the stock numbers back up where we can go out and get a few fish.
 
    Unfortunately, I have to let you know, as of this writing, we did lose 420 manatees, and I am afraid there will be more that won’t make it because of the shocking cold.

I love living on a boat. It is an endless learning experience. A day that doesn’t bring a challenge means you probably were on vacation somewhere and wondering what was breaking while you weren’t on the boat. Things just tend to break when you’re not on the boat. I have indeed learned a lot living on a boat. I learned the most likely time you will get waked is getting in the dinghy. I learned cell phones have a natural attraction to heads. Let’s see… oh yeah. Never approach a dock any faster than you want to hit it. All good things to know.  There are a few rules, though, I would like to pass on to you. These are pretty much hard and fast rules, with few exceptions. I know there will be some people out there who will think up some exceptions, but they’re probably the same people who questioned the priest about lust in an effort to get around the rule.

Fishing around the Terra Ceia Bay and lower Tampa Bay area this past week has been excellent for large spotted seatrout. An assortment of Bluefish, Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, and Flounder were also in the catch this week. Tarpon are beginning to show in greater numbers and the season is just around the corner. Cobia were seen around channel markers near the Skyway Bridge this week.

 Catches of roe-filled female Trout are common right now as these big gator Trout prepare to spawn. Trout, like the one Emily Exum of Safety Harbor hoists in the photo, are abundant. This fish tipped the scales at just over 5-pounds and was caught on a CAL 1/4-ounce jig head with a night glow Shad tail by DOA Lures while fishing on lower Tampa Bay in eight feet of water.

Bottom structure was a combination of shell, sand, grass, rock, and live bottom that held plenty of small baitfish and crustaceans. Emily and her mother, Sandy Layfield, also of Safety Harbor, FL caught and released several dozen large fish while on a half-day trip with Capt. Ray Markham of the Flat Back II out of Terra Ceia.
 
Capt. Ray Markham
Flat Back II
941-723-2655
cell: 941-228-3474

After watching the weather forecasters dance all over what was going to happen on Monday, I contacted my old buddy Jim Turman to confirm moving our trip from Monday to Sunday. It was was going to blow Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, as well as storm on Monday. Sunday would bring south winds, and if I’m going to fish in a big wind, I want it to be south. At least then, most of the time the fish will eat well.

    I was very early, and watched a number of boats go out under the causeway straight into the already stiff south wind, and turn around and come back. It was nasty out there. I pondered what I would do as I waited on Jim, who was bringing his friend Ed for his very first fishing experience.