Heavy rains and strong winds have put a halt to the fishing for us this past week.  Once weather patterns change to more tolerable fishing conditions, we can investigate for  positive changes. Water temperatures have been an issue with the feeding habits for many fish lately. It was quite common to read 90degrees on our surface temperature sensors for weeks. These higher temps, combined with higher salinity factors, drastically changed feeding patterns for many species. It will be quite interesting to see what fish have been affected by the drop in water temps and change of salinity. Bait migrations will still be the main focus for manyfisherman. This time of year numerous types of juvenile baits can be located at all depths. Along the beaches anglers can find tern action within a few hundred yards from shore. These small sea birds indicate the presence of small glass minnows in masse. Terns use larger gamefish as a tool fortheir hunting tactics.When a big fish strikes a school of small minnows from the depths, it opens the door of opportunity for these smallseabirds to dive down with an aerial attack. Big fish like tarpon and sharks engulf mouthfuls of these anchovy-like baits. They literally ball the bait fish into tight schools creating a black colored masse of condensed minnows. This allows the birds toeasily pick away at the the surface.Mackerel, ladyfish and jack crevalles can also aid these smallseabirds feeding sessions. They  thrash thru the schools, tossing wounded minnows in all directions, allowing the  birds to have an easy target. The next time you see numerous these birds darting over the waters surface. Take note there is most likely big fish below.  

CapMel Staff
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