I have also seen a lot of bait pods. With little to no predators feeding on them. Except for cownose rays, they have been crushing the bait pods. The lack of rain has definitely increased the water clarity and will probably increase the salinity of the water.
One area I fish & crab is so clear I can see bottom in 5’ of water. It also has a tremendous amount of grass which the fish and crabs use to hide from the rays
The Spanish should be in around mid August with good numbers of blues.