[dropcap]W[/dropcap]e’re still having outstanding catches of predominantly trout and reds. Both the bay boat and skinny water fleets are finding fish. The fish are pretty much still evenly distributed right now, some in the creeks, some around the oyster bars and rocky areas and even some on the close in grass flats. This pattern should continue as long as the water temperature stays above 55 degrees. Once it gets in the mid to low 50’s head to the many creeks around and north and south of Cedar Key. Pay close attention to the tides and wind patterns unless you have a jet-boat or airboat. Also, don’t forget to try the bigger creeks like Dan May, Barnett and even the Suwannee and Waccasassa rivers. They have decent access on even our lowest blowout winter tides. Fresh/frozen baits will work well shed on or close to the bottom. Arti ficials also can be the cat’s meow if fished real slow. Some of the other captains in this fine publication discuss this in detail and o ffer good fish catching advice for the beginner and experienced fisherman. Check them out from time to time, especially as our fishing seasons change. Size, color, style, etc. can make a di fference in just fishing (which is OK too) and catching. While the red and trout rally continues, other species like cobia, tarpon, shark, mackerel, etc. are pretty much long gone until spring. The only exception is the hard fighting sheepshead. So far, I’ve only heard of a few marginal catches of sheepshead. For now they’re still around our many docks, pilings, fishing piers and bridges. Any day now the migration to their spawning areas should begin in earnest to our numerous arti ficial reefs and close-in rock piles and of course the Steel Tower. Small crabs and shrimp are the best baits and don’t forget to use chum balls. They can be finicky and sometimes require a little extra patience. If you are fortunate enough to really get them going, my humble recommendation is to take only what you really need. Remember they are spawning for their future and yours too. The current limit of 15 is absolutely/positively ridiculous given all the reduced bag limits and closed season of most of our sport and reef fish.
If you’re pursuing sheepshead this month and in February you might try for our abundant rock bass. Find any patch of live bottom, scale down on your tackle and catch all you want to clean and eat. The grunts have mostly migrated to deeper water with our gags and red grouper. Speaking of grouper, red grouper is still open and doing well in at least 55 to as far as you want to run on your day trips. We try to target them by staying away from the big stuff which is holding lots of nice gags. Low, flat top rocks, live bottom and hard spots are where they live this time of the year. Herring is my top and only choice but cut baits and of course squid work well. The red grouper are hungry for sure. That’s not the issue. Finding a nice and calm enough day is mighty tough lately. As mentioned last month, the 15-20 knot NE’ers are getting old.
Good luck and good fishing. Hope you and your family and friends have a safe and healthy New Year.
See you next month, “if nothin’ don’t happen!”