[dropcap]J[/dropcap]anuary isn’t the most popular month to fish, but that doesn’t mean the fish aren’t biting. You just need to target the right fish. In January there are two options and they can be done in the same day! When the weather turns cold, trout come into the Steinhatchee River. They can be caught using shrimp, plugs or jigs. Some days color seems to be an important factor so bring a variety. Generally, they’ll bite anything as long as it is worked slowly. What did I say? Slowly. And again, S-l-o-w-l-y. The other rather tasty option is black sea bass. They will be vast schools of them over hard bottom from 20-45 feet. As for bait, make it tough, such as squid, pieces of Gulp, cut bait or any of the synthetic baits on the market. For the most fun use the same tackle you use for trout. They will bite anything, including the sinker.
Off shore action red grouper are still in season in January, closed Feb-March. Some years the Amberjack will remain on the wrecks during the winter and they are usually healthy-sized. Sheepshead move to the nearshore reefs during the spawn, that can happen mid-to-late Feb into March. Check back often for an update.
Check the reports, tides and weather, take advantage of the bluebird days of Florida and fish between cold-fronts.