December is here, which means sailfish are here too. The fall mullet migration is over, or soon will be, but behind those schools of baitfish migrating south are the pelagics—sailfish, dolphin, blackfin tuna, cobia, kingfish and near shore species of Spanish mackerel, bluefish and flounder. Follow the weather patterns to figure out which species you want to target on the days you’re able to get out and fish. Target dolphin, sailfish, kingfish and blackfin tuna by trolling ballyhoo in 80 to 150 feet of water. Also, if you’re pulling a dredge (which I highly recommend), troll a squid rig just behind it for the tunas (the dredge will bring them right up to your prop wash). Ordinarily, you would troll small feathers about 200 to 300 feet behind the boat for these blackfin because they are a little skittish of the boat noise. For kingfish, troll a drone spoon behind a #3 down-planer or on a down rigger. For the nearshore species of Spanish mackerel and bluefish, troll chartreuse Gulfstream jigs and small drone spoons along the beach in 15 to 40 feet of water or where ever you see them feeding. The flounder will be around the jetties. The spur jetty on the south side has always been a popular place. Use shrimp, small baitfish or scented jigs to catch them and fish your baits right on the bottom. Stick to the sandy areas too.
Make sure you dress warm and boat safely during the winter months.