It was a really cold couple of weeks here in the Sarasota area. With the water temperature dropping to 46 degrees at times the fish took a hard hit. For some it was too cold — Snook, Spadefish, Small Mullet, Catfish and Ladyfish were hit the hardest in this area. There was a fish kill for these and I’m sure other species, however it wasn’t catastrophic. I have heard reports from other Captains in areas on both coasts of Florida having larger fish kills, but I didn’t see that here. Yesterday, as the tide was changing, I did see dead fish in the tide line, however it wasn’t major. It was sad seeing some large Snook along with the other species, however with the temperatures being in the 70s for the rest of the week, hopefully, they will bounce back.

Fish Tails aboard the Reelin & Chillin The second day after the water started to warm up Andy Hale and son, Hayden, enjoyed some great action with Black Drum being the fish of the day. We found them around structure near the southern area of Longboat Key. Andy landed two, with young Hayden taking the award for catching nine. They kept a couple for dinner and released the rest for others to enjoy. We moved to another location and had some fun Ladyfish action before calling it a day. Darren and Jayne Jones had a fair day also catching Black Drum and Sheepshead. Again, the location was south Longboat Key around some docks. We didn’t catch as many as Andy and Hayden, however Darren did land one that was around four pounds making for great light tackle action. He was using only ten pound test line when he pulled this fish away from the structure before fighting it in open water. Captain Talk Leftover shrimp — seems like a waste to toss them over the side after paying up to $4.00 a dozen. And we all know what it’s like trying to use a shrimp after it’s been frozen; they end up soft and won’t stay on the hook.

Here is something to try if you’re going fishing within a day or two after you have these leftovers. Salt them down, I mean really pour on the salt — make it look like they’re almost buried in snow. Set them in the fridge to keep them cool. The salt will harden them, helping them to stay on the hook better. This is a good tactic for winter fishing because fish are not as active when the water is cool — they don’t have to work for their dinner chasing a free lined shrimp around. Also, after hooking a shrimp it usually dies pretty quick - don’t throw these guys over; they harden up just fine in the salt. Just so you know, I did test this. On Andy and Hayden’s trip, mentioned above, Hayden caught 50% of his Black Drum on shrimp I had from a trip two days before that I salted and put in the fridge. It does work, so try it if you like; you may save a few bucks and still put dinner on the table. Tight lines & good times, Capt. Terry Frankford 941-228-7802 terry.frankford@verizon.net Reelin & Chillin Charters Inc. www.charterfishingsarasota.com