High winds and dropping temperatures that come with passing cold fronts can slow down the fishing. The winds bring big waves that make it uncomfortable for the angler. The big waves cause the water to muddy making it uncomfortable for the fish.

   Before a cold front passes the winds usually go south to southwest  and fishing can be excellent if you can stand the rough seas. The theory is fish feel the dropping pressure and know they must feed because the bait will be gone or hard to find when the water muddies up.

   Before this last cold front Capt. Billy Miller was catching lots of kingfish in the 20 to 30 pound range with biggest being over 35 pounds. Big blue runners and ladyfish were the baits of choice for the big kings.

   Capt. Kevin Walton has been hammering the redfish in Boca Ciega Bay and in the Ft. DeSoto area using white bait and fresh cut ladyfish. Tarpon Key and The Maintenance Hole have been top producing spots.

   With the slight drop in water temperature fish have started to move into the Anclote Power Plant area. Anglers fishing live shrimp on the bottom from the Anclote Park pier have been catching big flounder. A 1/8 ounce jig bounced slowly along the bottom will also catch the flounder.

   Redfish and trout have been biting in the Ozona area reports Capt. Brian Caudill. Caudill has been fishing the reds in low tide holes and using cut baits to catch them. Trout and lady fish have been feeding on the incoming tide on white bait and soft plastic jigs.

   Stone crab season has opened and recreational anglers may have 5 traps without having to have a permit. Go to MyFWC.com to find all the regulations.