I came across this update on the fish kill from the latter part of last year that almost completely shut down the best of our fall fishing, and will affect our coastal fishery for some time to come -

Here.

That is a sobering report....and what they can see and count is only a small part of what actually happened.

Never underestimate the power of Nature.

Fortunately, the restorative powers are equally impressive.

Think of it as a natural culling of the weaker fish.

I wish that was all it was.

Are there any places to find an "official" report? I looked on the TPWD website and they only seemed to mention that the baitfish were the only ones hurt.

I'd shoot 'em an email. They are usually quite helpful with providing information.

If you visit Texas Kayak Fisherman, you will not hear any reports of Red Tide. Some "guessed" that the outbreak last year was not unrelated to the drought and some stagnation in the bays. That should not be a problem this year as the bays have been cleaned out with all the rain this Winter.

I know it sounds pretty grim, but when you look at the numbers listed in that article, the effect on game fish was not all that bad. Remember those numbers are for 64 miles of driveable beach and are estimates based on a fairly small sample.

I love to fish the Texas coast and the Red Tide can be a problem, but such is the nature of nature. Every year there are golden algae blooms and other natural events that influence the fishery, but there is always a resurgence of life after the kill and life goes on.

Just my thoughts

Send a note to Scott Sparrow @ www.lagunamadre.net. He's a guide in the Lower LM and he's know what's up wiwth the red tide in the lower part of the water.