| Last week’s warmer weather allowed me the chance to guide some folks along Florida’s nature coast. On Thursday conditions were foggy with visibility less than 1/8 of a mile. From a recent seminar, my guest speaker was a state wildlife officer who heeded warnings about safety while out at sea. |
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One of the many topics that Officer Jones commented on was learning how to use your Global Positioning System (GPS). I could not agree more with this statement. In addition, a fog chart should be made during a clear day with both compass headings and entries into the GPS if there is not a map chip included within the unit. |
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At one point, during the day the fog was so thick we seemed to be inside a mayonnaise jar creating a complete white out. This is when you trust your compass, check your depths and slow down. Our faces were dripping wet with moisture from the fog and wearing glasses is of no use. |
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The fog did not stop us from going out to catch some redfish, grouper and sheepshead. But don’t think I was not worried. As I went by the last marker off Ozello, I thought of Ernie Croft of Seatow who erected the markers. I told my crew that Ernie uses the Rock Island Channel to rescue folks that run out of gas or other types of distress. |
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Knowing that Capt. Croft would come to my rescue should I have motor trouble was assuring as I went several miles offshore in pursuit of shallow water grouper. |
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Some more excellent advice from Officer Jones is to bring a jacket even if it is warm that day. Bring water and some extra food just in case you get stranded. Of course he mentioned keeping a close watch of your flares and the expiration date. Take a look at the condition of your fire extinguisher as well as your personal floatation devices. Filing a float plan is most important, telling a close relative or friend when you will be back and where you were planning on going fishing. |
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Friday’s conditions were much different and the winds switch to the northeast and the fog was no longer a threat. The high tides that were in the day before were gone and now low tides were extra low due to the easterly winds. |
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Mike Hammontree and three of his buddies decided to try their luck with Capt. Billy Henderson and I near the warm water discharge. Schools of jacks were seen striking the surface near the entrance of the canal. A half day produced more than 55 jacks between 7 and 10 pounds for the four anglers. |
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Saturday the rains came, but not before 25 largemouth bass came to boat side by Hammontree and buddies. Store bought shiners from Ed’s Tackle did the trick as Capt. Henderson led the way in making their trip a success. |
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About Capt. Locklear
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