Capt. Dave Stephens
Well the past few weeks have been crazy in the northern end of the harbor. We have been dealing with some water quality issues that have resulted in red tide. A lot speculation about phosphate coming down the Peace River. Well I can tell you there was no water flow coming down the river. Due to the low rain amounts the salt had pushed further up river than I seen in many years. My opinion, and yes, it is an OPNION. Due to the lower rain amounts we are seeing over watering and fertilizer on lawns. People want green grass, so they over fertilize and over water. These nutrients run directly into the water. Hopefully soon we’ll get some much-needed rain.
On the good side we have still been fishing, and doing very well. The snook bite has been very good the past few weeks. We have been catching very good numbers of fish on mangrove islands and oyster bars. The key to locating feeding fish around mangrove islands is locating moving water. Points that have good tidal flow will be holding feeding fish. When I’m fishing oyster bars I look for the ones that are holding mullet. These vegetarian fish stir up the crabs and bait fish that predator fish feed on. The tarpon should make their presence known a little more in the harbor. We should start seeing some fish move from the pass into the upper harbor around the herring schools. Getting an early start will help to locate fish rolling, with early calm conditions fish can be seen for long distances. Tarpon have the ability to gulp air from the surface so this is the purpose for them rolling. Also look for big splashes in the distance, this is a sign of fish feeding. With the influx of boaters on the water be courteous to other boaters. If you are fishing a school of fish with other boats use your trolling motor if possible. If you see other boats fishing a school give them plenty of room when traveling on the harbor.
I’m not sure what’s going to happen with fish closures, myself I prefer to keep it closed. I still don’t think our fishery is where it needs to be. However, I do understand people like to have fresh fish for dinner. Well, we should start seeing some mangrove snapper move into the harbor. These guys can be tricky to catch when the waters clear. My suggestions would be dropping down to a light fluorocarbon leader, and small hook. Also try to stay as far away from the area your fishing, make longer casts. As we get further into summer be sure to keep an eye on the sky. Summer thunderstorms approach very fast, and can have high winds and lightening. Stay Safe and have fun on our lovely waters. If you would like to enjoy some of Charlotte Harbors finest fishing give us a call or send an email, all of our trips are private and custom just for you.