Captain Sandy Melvin is a seasoned fishing guide with over 30 years of experience in the industry. He specializes in guiding fishing trips for snook, redfish, speckled trout, and tarpon in the backcountry and shallow waters of the Boca Grande area. Sandy also co-owns Gaspar Outfitters, a retail store with a focus on resort wear and outdoor clothing, alongside his wife.

Scope and Content Note

Captain Sandy Melvin recounts how during red tides, fishing conditions become challenging, and certain areas, especially near Catfish Creek, are often impacted. Sandy notes a recent occurrence of black, slimy moss covering turtle grass, potentially linked to the red tide. He observes changes in fish behavior during red tide events, with tarpons leaving the Boca Grande pass. Although some successful fishing experiences were had during red tide years, Sandy hypothesizes that red tides can influence fish abundance and distribution in the area. The 2018 red tide caused cancellations, reduced tourism, and economic losses, while also impacting Sandy's health, leading to a persistent cough. Despite minimal impact on the backcountry fishing area, Sandy noticed declines in redfish and speckled trout populations elsewhere. He emphasizes the need for long-term solutions focused on improving water quality and controlling nutrient runoff to prevent harmful algal blooms.