Destin, FL

[Hier Soir]

Just got back from Destin, FL. Water had an algea bloom like I never seen before but not a drop of oil in site the whole week. Local reports claimed bookings were down by as much as 60%. Most of Lafayette seemed to be there. Quite a few big charter boats working in close...not sure if they were fishing or monitoring conditions. Couldn't see lines being dragged or sports on deck when they were passing. Picked up these strange little critters at water's edge. They were really quick and would bury themselves in the sand when you got close to them. They ranged in size from about .25" to about 1". Some had a forked tail, other nothing. Anyone know what these are?

[FF_T_Warren]

Is that a sand flea?

[longcast]

I just got home from Destin about a hour ago. Water was nice and the charters were working very close in on thurs. The king bite was on.we were never more than 1 -4 miles out. Fri we had trouble finding the fish and the charters were further out.I did have s blow up on the troll lines as I stoped to try and pick up some Spanish.I only herd the loud splash. It scared me. Brother in law said it's not our bait. Bs. It had taken the bait and leader.just mono hanging left. I don't know what it was but I don't think I had the gear to land it. It would have been fun I'm sure.

[longcast]

Oh yea. No oil.

[shaggy dog]

That's A sand flea.

[Dink]

I've never seen a sand flea with a tail before, and I've seen a bunch!!

[speck-chaser]

and crab claws?

[speck-chaser]

I think its plankton from sponge Bob.lol

[jaclyn.renea]

I'm jealous, that's for sure. One of these days I'm bound to get out thata way!

[huntin fool]

Originally Posted by Hier Soir

Just got back from Destin, FL. Water had an algea bloom like I never seen before but not a drop of oil in site the whole week. Local reports claimed bookings were down by as much as 60%. Most of Lafayette seemed to be there. Quite a few big charter boats working in close...not sure if they were fishing or monitoring conditions. Couldn't see lines being dragged or sports on deck when they were passing. Picked up these strange little critters at water's edge. They were really quick and would bury themselves in the sand when you got close to them. They ranged in size from about .25" to about 1". Some had a forked tail, other nothing. Anyone know what these are?

nice 'nails

[BananaTom]

Originally Posted by Hier Soir

Just got back from Destin, FL. Water had an algea bloom like I never seen before but not a drop of oil in site the whole week. Local reports claimed bookings were down by as much as 60%. Most of Lafayette seemed to be there. Quite a few big charter boats working in close...not sure if they were fishing or monitoring conditions. Couldn't see lines being dragged or sports on deck when they were passing. Picked up these strange little critters at water's edge. They were really quick and would bury themselves in the sand when you got close to them. They ranged in size from about .25" to about 1". Some had a forked tail, other nothing. Anyone know what these are?

That is a sand flea, it is not a tail, but feelers, that stick up out of the sand, great bait. The Pompanos really do go for them, as does the Reds and just about anything else. Best surf fishing bait there is, unless you get one that has orange eggs on it.

[flyphisher]

Sand Flea = Pompano crack

We're scheduled to go to Destin Aug 9th.