Use caution when navigating local waters to avoid debris, find fish

As Anna Maria Island anglers begin to start getting back on the water after back to back hurricanes, we all need to keep in mind that there is still debris and other hazards throughout the area we need to be conscience of. 

Whether it’s floating debris such as sections of docks or tree limbs or even channel markers that have been knocked over you surely want to proceed with caution as striking a large object in the water could not only severely damage your boat but yourself and other passengers are at risk. 

Sandbars have moved making some channels impassable while other channels have shifted becoming narrower than normal causing navigation to be slightly difficult. 

And, when you’re on the flats, be cautious in the shallows as pieces of debris can find their way there onto the sand being just underwater and not visible causing hazardous conditions especially when boating at high speed to get over a shallow area.

All in all it may be wise to spend some time navigating areas you frequented before the storms as slower speeds to examine the bottom for obstructions or shallow areas, and make notes of which areas you need to go slow in or avoid all together. This should be easier as the waters clear up and the bottom becomes visible again.

So if it’s your first time on the water in a while, or the first time since the storms, use caution and go slow when you’re not sure what’s ahead, or below you.