Tropical Storm Ernesto has formed about 200 miles east of the Windward Islands. This is over 2,000 miles from Texas. The overall pattern should bring the system toward the Western Gulf in the Aug 10-12 time frame. Too early to know if the system will be Mexico or Texas bound and if it will intensify or disintegrate as it interacts with the heat low over South America.

Stay tuned.

Waiting to see what Ernesto is going to do. Got two days of tuna chasing off Venice planned next Fri/Sat. Just my luck we will have to cancel. Hard to find another date quickly for 13 anglers and 3 captains. GO AWAY ERNESTO

IF Ernesto makes it into the Gulf in that timeframe, how long do you expect it would take for things to settle down and get back to normal? I know it depends on the size of the storm and where it makes landfall. But, in general, would heading down to the coast 1 week after be too early? Water still too muddy from wind, waves?

I'm not sure but I would think the deepwater areas would still have clean water and would be good fishing as soon as it calms down. Nearshore/Inshore may be a different thing. Could take some time to clear up inshore.

I was thinking inshore. I fished offshore (30 miles or so) a week after a prior gulf storm and the currents were still ripping. We had to use double the normal weight size just to get our baits to the bottom and they were still waaaaaay behind the boat, lol.

We got some long range effects from the FL tropical storm back in June. Tides ran high for 7-10 days after on the easterly fetch. My best guess, is a hit on the Texas coast by tropical storm or hurricane will leave the inshore water a mess for 2-3 weeks at least. But if we get something like Ike its not the water quality but the fact that most of the inshore infrastructure will be gone and no way to get to the water.

Offshore should not get dirty but as mentioned above there will be a change in the currents.

Still way too early to change or cancel plans.

But Wait! There are two more playing out there.

I've read that the storms are expected to track over Jamaica and hit the yucatan head on by wednesday. Do you guys think that a storm that far away will affect currents and such in the Galveston area? I'm heading down on August 10 for 7 days of fishing with the family.

The disturbance offshore of FL should make landfall on FL or southern GA within 24 hours. It might peak at a minimal tropical storm.

Florence is only 2 days off Africa. It will be fighting cool water temps and dry air. It may not survive the trip across the Atlantic.

Ernesto is still a wild card. The stronger the storm before it hits the Yucatan the more of a NW track it will take which threatens the TX coast. If it becomes weak and disorganized it will hit Mexico south of Tampico.

Swells offshore should begin increasing Wed-Thurs. There could be bigger surf and higher tides along the TX coast by Friday.

Its still too early to cancel or change plans. If it comes near Galveston as a tropical storm or minimal hurricane ride it out. Fish the piers as the storm kicks up the surf and a good chance for bull reds.

Thanks or the response. I'm certain we will ride it out if it is expected to be anything less than a cat 1 hurricane as we have a non refundable house rental in sea isle. We were hoping to fish the bays most days and head out to the rigs of it were calm enough. Sounds like it may very well tear up the blue water. Have my fingers crossed that it will head even further south than expected.

Another 48 hours and we should have a good idea where it is heading and the potential for strengthening or weakening.

It's gonna hit mexico and most likely keep are Galveston bay water dirty

Last report I had seems it will fizzle out over Yucatan Pen., be a disorgnized blob of showers, etc going into Mexico. Dang it, would have liked to have 2" rain (not for fishing purposes, tho.)

Ernesto appears headed for the Yucatan near the Belize border as a minor hurricane. It will emerge over the southern Bay of Campeche and reform as a tropical storm before hitting Mexico south of Tampico. There will be an increase in swells offshore but with the major circulation passing over the Yucatan the Gulf will be protected. Surf will be 1' higher than current and tides up less than 1'. If Ernesto slows that could lead to a northwestward job.

I have surf fishing scheduled for Sunday on Galveston and see no reason to change plans.