Thunderstorms Could Aid Kingfish Bite

Holmes Beach resident Capt. Scott Moore said anglers Friday were not able to get off the beaches because of high winds in the aftermath of Thursday's heavy thunderstorms.

But the rains could be good for kingfish, which have showed up in depths of 50 to 60 feet of water, according to a report by Capt. Larry McGuire of Show Me the Fish Charters.

Moore said the surface water temperature was 78 degrees but had cooled to 72 after the storms.

“That will make it good for the kings,” he said. “You don't want it to get too warm too fast.”

He said sheepshead are congregated on piers and bridges such as Longboat Key and can still be caught on shrimp. Redfish are scattered and somewhat slow to bite, and trout fishing has been “incredible,” Moore said.

Tides will continue to get higher as we head into summer. As tides become higher, redfish action will improve as anglers will be able to get the reds in high water along mangrove shorelines.

Snook are still scattered. Soon, the linesiders will congregate in the passes and begin spawning. The beginning of the full moon in late May typically triggers the snook's spawn.

“Last week I caught nine snook over 30 inches,” Moore said. “Lasy year in the spring, I didn't catch any 30-inch fish. What's good about it is that maybe those big fish will spawn. What's not good is that we need more smaller fish to show up.”

For more information, visit the website of Capt. Scott Moore and son Capt. Justin Moore at www.moorefishing.com.