Looks like the rain gear will be necessary this long holiday weekend. The fish should be feeding between showers with the strong tides associated with Friday night’s new moon. Water temperatures are moderating, but the clarity will be on the murky side thanks to the recent precipitation.
The lower stretches of the coastal rivers and backcountry creeks still remain the most productive areas. Trout, reds and flounder top the line-up. With clarity a factor, adding noise, scent and lure color contrast could mean the difference between a good day and a boat ride. Focusing on areas with bait (mullet are key), funneling action and structure/ambush points will also help even the odds. Shrimp lures, suspending twitch baits and soft-plastic jigs are all good choices, along with live shrimp free-lined or under a cork, finger mullet and mud minnows the prime forage. Fiddler crabs are tops for sheepshead.
Winds are expected to be from the southeast to south through Monday. Strong negative low tides will occur mid-mornings, which will mandate launching from deep water ramps like Shields Marina or the St. Marks public ramp at the fort. High tides will crest mid-afternoons, topping above three feet.
Based on the lunar phase, expect very high feeding activity for an hour around the low and high peaks. If it turns out to be too soggy to go, now is an excellent time to get the tackle cleaned, re-stocked and organized. It’s also a good opportunity to schedule annual maintenance or do the service work on the boat and trailer before the action really turns on.
Copyright 2021, Capt. Dave Lear. All rights reserved.