This term has been thrown around a lot lately. Has DNR or any other resource organization declared this? Yes, there are some floaters, but who can provide evidence of a “major” kill? Im not sure we will know for a couple of years.
Edited to correct “resourse” before the police do. Fat fingers.
I can confirm the bite has been slow to nonexistent in multiple areas that I always have a easy time catching fish. All factors are the same but just not much fish around for the most part. My experience makes me feel like there was definetly a level of impact that has been noticeable. I don’t see why only a few fish would be affected.
I read that we should expect some sort of quantities mid-April or May when DNR goes out with nets and electricity and counts this year’s fish against last years. Until then we’re all guessing. I can tell you I haven’t caught anything worthwhile since Christmas eve.
I’ve caught a few over slot reds. Seen more schooled up looking for warmer water. What I haven’t seen is a single trout or slot/smaller reds. I also didn’t see a single fish in creeks where I know where they congregate, and have tagged hundreds. Truly am stressing about this season. Wish I could move to the Keys!
Went out two days last week and landed 34 reds over those two days. I only fished the evening on a falling tide to try to fish warmer water. All fish were tucked into structure (12’-15’) not around but in under docks. If you casted just outside the dock nothing if you got that bait even a foot under the dock it got picked up. Fish were 13"-21". I have not caught one trout but I know others have landed some and in decent numbers.
Reports up the Wando is that trout are deep in 15-25’ holes and starting to slowly show up on flats with reds.
Reports from IOP marina and ICW are that fish are about a week behind the Wando and fish are in deeper holes.
I think there has been an impact and we need to as Anglers practice catch and release to allow our fishery to bounce back faster.
Over half the reds I caught last week never came out of the water. I leaned over and freed them to ensure they had the least amount of stress possible.