I saw a window in the weather pattern for the last week, so I loaded up early and went to the glades.  I have fished the glades regularly for the last few months and have been averaging between 35 to 50 bass in a four hour trip.  We have recently had almost 18 inches of rain in the last 5 days.  Water levels are way up, and the PH balance has got the bass in a funky mood.  First sign of trouble was most of the gators are no longer in the canals.  Second sign, very little surface action in the morning.  Third absolutely no bites.

I fished from 7:00 until 11:00 and caught one bass.  I did catch gar and mudfish but only one freakin suicidal bass.  Used top water, spinnerbaits, and an array of plastics.  I saw a guide out there with a family using live bait and they couldn't buy a bite.  Things may be tough for a while until everything adjusts.

give it a few days to a week. same thing is going on up here at the stick marsh. bass get tough after a lot of rain. it always gets better. good luck.

This happens every time there is a drought in the Glades.  One day you think you're Roland Martin.  The next day you think someone poisoned all the fish.  Fishing is fantastic when the water is low because all the fish are in the canal.  As soon as the summer rains start, the fish move out into the flats.  There is actually a magic few days where the only fish in the canals are huge.   As the water moves higher, there is current in the canals.  If you find running water, you will find fish.  Try the intersections of the canals.  The fish will be on the bottom facing the current.

On 5/31/2020 at 11:50 AM, Captain Phil said:

This happens every time there is a drought in the Glades.  One day you think you're Roland Martin.  The next day you think someone poisoned all the fish.  Fishing is fantastic when the water is low because all the fish are in the canal.  As soon as the summer rains start, the fish move out into the flats.  There is actually a magic few days where the only fish in the canals are huge.   As the water moves higher, there is current in the canals.  If you find running water, you will find fish.  Try the intersections of the canals.  The fish will be on the bottom facing the current.

Captain Phil..  This is great information.  Thanks for sharing this.  I see the same effects over here (on the nature coast) in our lakes/canals, as well.