Sunny side up, Please

I've been chipping away at this sight fishing for reds quest for about a year or so now. During that time, I've analyzed tides, water depth, flies, weather, where to fish, where not to fish, when to go, when not to. Water depth is probably THE most important factor in Tampa Bay. With so-so visibility, you need skinny water to sight fish. You can persevere with higher water, but it's almost damn near impossible to sight fish a red wading or out of a kayak in waist deep water.
The next most important factor is probably the most overlooked. It's not wind, although I must admit I'm addicted to Wind Finder and live for those glassy mornings. However, I'd argue the sun is more important than a calm day. I didn't realize this until I was chatting up Keys guide John O' Hearn for a story I'm working on. O'Hearn said he'd take wind over clouds any day. A day later, I realized why.
Wednesday, it was blowing double digits out of the North. The tide was low enough, but the water movement was lousy. I fished anyway. I kept expectations low, and I was pleasantly surprised. Spotted at least a dozen reds during my afternoon trip. Had shots at five or six. One chased my fly, but didn't eat. Rarely have I seen this many solo fish on foot or in my kayak and this was with a mix of clouds and sun. When the sun was out, I could pick them off. When the clouds settled in, I felt as if I were in the dark.
Bottom line: The sun is huge for sight fishing. If you don't have sun, you're essentially relying on tailers and we all know how sporadic that can be. So, pray for no rain and plenty of sun.

Another day on Old Tampa Bay.