WILD FLORIDA When I was a kid during the 1980s, it was common to find hundreds or even thousands of dead snook floating in Tampa Bay after a freeze event. Now these occurrences are less and less common, as water temperatures don’t drop quite as far. This can even affect species which exhibit strong seasonal migrations along the coast such as tarpon and cobia. As water temperatures stay warmer for longer periods, species which migrate to south Florida during the winter are likely to stay up in the Panhandle for longer periods of time. They will migrate to north Florida earlier in the spring and back to the southern portion of the state later in the summer/fall. Perhaps the most significant affect of warming temperatures is on the exotic freshwater fish found in Miami-Dade, the Everglades and Marco Island, areas teeming with species that are currently limited to south Florida due to temperature. Butterfly peacock bass and bullseye snakeheads are two species which provide exciting angling and economic opportunities. The peacock bass fishery, which is native to the Amazon River Basin in South America, in Florida is even truly world class, one with 13 of the 16 IGFA (International Game Fish Association) world records being caught here! There are also multiple quality fishing guides specializing in these unique fisheries. As temperatures warm, these species may move farther north. These changes are surely to lead to some unexpected surprises, head scratching, and even some “what-the-heck” moments for Florida anglers in the future. While the temperature may be getting hotter out there on the water, maybe the fishing will too … or, at least, we might catch some cool new fish. Take care, be safe, and tight lines! FCM Warmer water has kept south Florida fish in the Panhandle for longer periods of time.
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