Red tide??

blewitupsir

Ran into a big patch of reddish algae in the water with very noticeable concentrations of the same at the surface about 12 miles south of Marco yesterday. Also was seeing dead barracuda in the same area. Is this red tide? I don't think I have ever seen it before so pardon my ignorance.

snookaffinity

Possibly red tide if you throat gets scratchy and you begin to cough. That's what it does to me even when it is not visible. Otherwise is just what you described, a floating red algae bloom. They also kill fish. The red tide maps indicates there is no red tide in that area.
http://myfwc.com/research/redtide/statewide/

blewitupsir

A quick google search of red tide photos and I found what I was seeing

Not quite as thick, but this is what was on the surface. Didn't bother me though as far as coughing sneezing. I'll keep my eyes open when I'm back out this week and try to snap a picture.

Gary S. Colecchio

Trichodesmium.

If it was red tide, you would know it.

blewitupsir

Thanks Gary. I'll be happy if I never get the chance to see it down here.

FishinMcNut

I see the same most years down south and never any real issues associated with it.

It means time for fishing to get good! :wink