This week, area anglers had to contend with unusually brisk winds, feels-like temperatures near 100 degrees and water temps in the low 90s. However, if the weekend forecast holds true, we could see some relief in the form of cooling showers and less-oppressive water and air temperatures.

Reports from Boca Grande northward indicate that this should be a banner tarpon year, with massive pods cruising all along Florida’s Gulf coast. The only challenge would be the often-strong west breezes. If you can handle them, you should be good to go for a silver king hookup this weekend.

Gandy Bait and Tackle’s Bill Robinson reports that the pompano are beginning to show at the Gandy Bridge, but since there is no pedestrian traffic allowed on the bridge, the only way to access them is by boat. “I believe the pompano fishing has gotten better because we’ve had less fresh water,” Robinson said. “Depending on the rains, the pompano fishing should get better later this summer. But if we get a big influx of fresh water, they will move south seeking higher-salinity water. But right now they seem to be cooperating pretty well, along with lots of nice mangrove snapper.” He said the outgoing tides have been most productive.

Robinson said there are still good schools of Spanish mackerel hanging around the Gandy area. “There’s a lot of food for them with the big bait schools that are all over the place. The macks tend to be in a little deeper and cooler water this time of year. I caught three nice, dinner-sized Spanish in about 12-feet of water — all in the 4- to 6-pound range.”