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Captain's Corner: Have a safety plan for bad weather

 
Published July 30, 2015

The weather has obviously been a concern for planning any outdoor activity this past week. Have a safety plan for any outing on the water. Getting wet is one thing, but lightning is serious. With today's technology in forecasting and smart phones able to access current radars there's no excuse for getting caught in a sudden storm. Always know where your closest and safest haven is in an emergency. Marinas, parks, restaurants on the water, or a friend's house all make good places to hide and let foul weather pass. Bridges are a last resort for protection as getting completely out of the water is best. The lingering system has shuffled the deck for fishing. Water salinity has changed with the excessive fresh water run off. Bait and fish will be affected. Today's full moon will play an important role in clearing the water with its stronger tidal flow. During the short periods of time I have been able to get out between rains, we've found redfish gathering in the shallows and snapper still schooled over rocky structures throughout the bay.

Brent Gaskill runs Summer Vacation Charters out of the St. Petersburg area and can be reached at captbrent@summervacationcharters.com and (727) 510-1009.