The Good and Bad
I hope by the time this article comes out, we will be on the way or out of this, as I call it, “nightmare.” The Covid-19 virus has all of us wondering what’s next. Will our lives ever be the same? I think not but, with all bad things, there are some good. We have learned to do without a lot of things that we have taken for granted. Foods, products and the ability to have freedom to move around as we please. Hopefully, we have relearned some things we forgot–like family. Enjoy the time with the ones you’re with and look forward to seeing the ones you can’t right now.
There is some good to have come out of the pandemic. Animals have begun reclaiming the empty streets and nature is thriving without us humans in the way, like brawling monkeys in Thailand and goats wandering empty streets in Britain. In Venice, the waters are getting clear, so fish and dolphins are starting to come back into their canals. The lockdowns have caused nitrogen dioxide pollution levels to dive in Italy, Germany and China. From a climate perspective, the corona virus pandemic is not entirely negative. The implemented measures to combat Covid-19 drastically cut emissions –results that otherwise would have taken years to come into effect. Can the corona crisis help our planet to breathe again? Hopefully we ALL can learn from this.
As far as fishing goes, the offshore bite has been getting better every day. On a recent charter, we caught a big kingfish on 10-pound test while trying to catch Spanish mackerel. Cobia are also starting to show up in our area. Always keep a stout rod and a pitch bait, so when these brown bombers show up you’re ready. For fish to invite home for dinner, the white grunt bite has been fabulous. They can be caught fairly close to shore in 10 – 12 feet of water and are great table fare. I like to use a 3/0 circle hook, one-ounce weight and cut squid for bait. Grunt fishing is also great for kids with non stop action on light tackle.
Inshore fishing is also great. Trout are being caught in the grass flats around the Bayport area, and I am hearing good reports around Chaz and Homosassa. Live shrimp or artificial baits will product some good action. Keep an eye out for redfish, snook and bluefish in these areas, also.
And for all the “fishheads,” please be safe and we all can get through this.
Get out there on the water and make some memories with friends and family.