by Capt. Terry Fisher
Every ‘New Year’ brings forth two basic questions:
1) What’s biting?
2) What can we expect to catch?
Every time I am asked either of these two queries, I hear or see in the angler’s voice or ‘faces’, the hope and desire that I mention their favorite or ‘bucket’ list species, regardless of the time of year. The thing that keeps us all going (regardless of the answer), is that most anglers believe ‘all things are possible’ and they are willing to give it a try. As a full time fishing guide, I know this to be true. In reality, it is water temperature, wind speed, wind direction and tides that determine what anglers are ‘most likely to catch’. In other words, it is the ‘time of year’ that will dictate which species will bite and be caught.
Virtually every specie of fish that roam our waters reside here year around, with few exceptions. However, seasonal patterns have a serious, diverse effect on migration, spawning, habitats and fish habits. Throughout the year some species become less in number and smaller in size, while others become more in number and larger in size. Below is my ‘ANNUAL INSHORE FISHING GUIDE’ presented in ‘quarterly’ increments as to ‘what is biting’ and ‘what one most likely will catch and when during the next few months’ …
JANUARY- MARCH
Sheepshead; the bigger fish migrate from the gulf waters and infiltrate docks, sea walls, and mangroves in the shallower waters. These fish will be spawning. They dine on shrimps and Fiddler Crabs. They provide hours of fun on light tackle and are a great tasting fare. These are the ‘go to’ species for inshore anglers during the first quarter of the year.
Spanish Mackerel: these migratory fish may be found in good sizes and numbers (schools) where the baitfish (Pilchards, Threadfins, Glass Minnows) are. Watch for diving birds and odds are the Mackerel will be feeding in that area. The mackerel will reside where the baitfish are, inshore and offshore.
Seatrout; larger fish will inhabit the grass flats in 3 to 6ft. of water. Look for murky, green color water, indicating that Turtle and other grasses dominate the seabed.
Pompano; schools will pass in and around the open waters in areas where the bottom is hard, the water column is deeper and the current is strong. Occasionally, they will pass through the grass flats during their migration.
Jack Crevalle; these fish will run in schools and will be huge, especially in the creeks, canals and rivers. They will feed on anything that gets in their way. They feed on schools of Glass Minnows.