After a colder and windier than normal that saw many catches of Black Drum and Sheepshead, the fronts have finally slowed from a 5-7 day pattern to 7-11 day range. In addition they are not as intense as they were. This has lead to water warming from the low 60’s to mid 70-‘s in just over a week.
That’s fairly typical for water get back to a more normal temp, stimulating bait-fish to return and the fish to feed ahead of the spring spawn. Valentines Day is a good reference point for temp normalization in a cooler then normal winter. Note the chart below from SCCF’s Recon site shows on Jan 31, 58 Degree water! Now into the lower to mid 70’s in just 2 weeks.
The first Tarpon are being spotted as they begin to work their way down from a winter stop in the River and up from the 10,000 islands and the keys. Sharks are not far behind.
Book now for Tarpon starting in April through June. Snook Season reopens March 1st and smaller ones are starting to show up in the passes now.