Taking advantage of water level changes!

[Capt. BassinLou]

South Florida has been slammed with rain over the last couple days. Even as I'm typing this post, thunderstorms are popping off. Unfortunately I had to cancel my boat fishing outing, but I took advantage of the weather breaks to bank fish my neighborhood canal. 

Whenever we experience a forecasted heavy rain event. South Florida Water Mgmt Dept releases water to counter act for flooding. We are talking about huge releases of water. Over the span of a few ours, the water line can drop a foot or more.

Taking advantage of these releases, if the weather permits of course, can make for very productive bank fishing. Here are 2 reasons why. 

1. Current. Bass and peacock will take advantage of the current passing through culverts. If you position yourself just right, and know where to cast, you will catch yourself really nice fish!!

2. Natural bait traps. Water drops will keep small bait fish pushed up and concentrated along the shallow limestone shelves and points. Bass and peacock will take advantage of this opportunity and ambush the bait schools as they swim by.

I could on and on about this, but take advantage of these 2 reasons, and enjoy getting out and bank fish between the storms.    Good luck!!

Thanks for reading!   

[big g]

With big bodies of water like Okeechobee, and Loxahatchee, I always looked for wind blown funnel points.  Grass islands with wind blowing into the funnel point between two of them.  This provides current from water forced between them.  On the back side there will be slack water on either side of the funnel.  This would provide an ambush point for bass waiting for bait fish driven by the current.  This has saved many a slow day!
Thank Lou, another good topic!

[FlatsNBay]

G, JT Kenney calls those places neck downs. Great advice!

[big g]

G, JT Kenney calls those places neck downs. Great advice!

I agree, they have saved many a day when fishing the Big O.  I always looked for good size grass islands separated by a narrow channel between.  If windy the water would rip between them.  You have just found your honey hole on the back side in the slack water.