Captain Favorite's Weekend Fishing Forecast Nov. 29, 2012

BRADENTON -- As the weather cools, the FWCC warns boaters to be on the lookout for manatees. Becoming a commerical fisherman just got easier for veterans! With water cooling into the mid 60’s, shallow water fishing for reds should be good this week. Look for them in potholes and on the edges of bars when the tide is low or higher on shallow grass flats at the top of the tide. You may also find trout, bluefish, flounder and more on deep grass flats.

Fishing Updates

As weather cools, Florida manatees move to warmer waters

• Now that the weather outside is chilly, Florida manatees are migrating to warmer waters. They swim in search of a warm winter refuge such as freshwater springs or canals adjacent to power plant outflows.
• With many of the seasonal manatee protection zones going into effect on Nov. 15, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) cautions boaters to be vigilant about slowing down and watching out for manatees. In Broward County, some slow speed zones formerly active only on weekends are now in effect every day during the cold season. November is designated as Manatee Awareness Month because of this seasonal migration.

Becoming commercial fishermen to get easier for Florida vets

• The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will be honoring Florida’s heroes on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, by implementing changes to commercial licensing requirements. The changes will make it easier for Florida veterans and veterans with disabilities to enter the commercial fishing industry.
• Governor Rick Scott said, “We have a tremendous opportunity not only to give thanks to the men and women that served our nation so courageously, but also to provide them with more support so they can pursue careers in fishing here in Florida. This initiative will expand job opportunities for our veterans and get more folks involved in the commercial fishing industry, which is a win-win for Florida.”
• The Commission adopted the changes at its September meeting and made a formal announcement of the changes in a media event on Nov. 9.
• “I am excited to be extending this opportunity to the men and women who so bravely served our country,” said Commissioner Charles W. Roberts III. “Job creation and Florida’s economy are priorities for everyone, including the FWC. Our hope is that more of Florida’s veterans and veterans with disabilities, especially those who have recently returned from active duty, will be able to partake in the commercial seafood industry and benefit from this opportunity.”
• The changes will modify income requirements for many of Florida veterans seeking a commercial restricted species endorsement, which allows commercial harvesters to fish for and sell species that are designated as restricted.

Swamp Heritage Festival Dec 1

• The Swamp Heritage Festival scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center (33000 E. Tamiami Trail Ochopee) shines a spotlight on the inhabitants of south Florida, whose rugged strength and pioneering spirit contributed to the shaping of today’s unique and diverse culture. Through living history demonstrations, informative presentations and exhibits, everyone can learn what daily life what like in such a remote, and at times, inhospitable place. These unique chapters in American history add to the wide and colorful tableau that comprises our shared past and present. Free admission; call 239-695-4758 for more information.

Weekend Forecast

High pressure over the mid-Atlantic states this morning slides offshore by late Friday...gets reinforced from the north during Saturday...and continues in place into early next week.

Thursday

Northeast winds around 15 knots. Bay and inland waters a moderate chop. Thursday night will bring east winds around 15 knots. Bay and inland waters a moderate chop.

2012/11/29Thu07:46 a.m.-0.35L

2012/11/29Thu02:34 p.m.1.35H

2012/11/29Thu06:03 p.m.1.19L

2012/11/29Thu11:49 p.m.2.36H

Friday

East winds around 10 knots. Bay and inland waters a light chop. Friday night 

will brine northeastern winds around 10 knots. Bay and inland waters a light chop.

2012/11/30Fri08:20 a.m.-0.34L

2012/11/30Fri03:04 p.m.1.32H

2012/11/30Fri06:37 p.m.1.16L

Saturday

Northeastern winds around 10 knots. Bay and inland waters a light chop.

2012/12/01Sat12:25 a.m.2.32H

2012/12/01Sat08:55 a.m.-0.3L

2012/12/01Sat03:34 p.m.1.32H

2012/12/01Sat07:21 p.m.1.13L

Sunday

Northeast winds around 15 knots. Bay and inland waters a moderate chop.Sunday night  will bring east winds around 10 knots. Bay and inland waters a light chop.

2012/12/02Sun01:06 a.m.2.25H

2012/12/02Sun09:33 a.m.-0.24L

2012/12/02Sun04:06 p.m.1.35H

2012/12/02Sun08:15 p.m.1.11L

Solunar Forecast