Ok fishheads, now that turkey day is over and we all put on at least five pounds, it’s time to get back to some serious fishing. Even with the wind and dirty waters, fishing in November was good. December should continue to have some really good fishing. Fish know the winter and cold weather is coming, so they will be doing the same thing we did on Thanksgiving–fattening up. What does this mean for us anglers you ask? Great fishing from inshore to offshore. Anglers will be able to target resident and migrating fish.
Gag grouper fishing has been the hottest. With the Gulf temperature cooling off, we have been catching the gags in anywhere from 8 to 30 feet of water. The tackle we use is a very stout rod with at least 60-pound mono, anywhere from a 2 to 6-ounce lead weight and a 7/0 circle hook. The baits of choice are frozen threadfin, cut mullet or live bait like pinfish, grunts or sand perch. Just remember the regulations; two per person and the size has to be at least 24 inches to the end of the tail. On my charters and hearing from other fishermen, a lot of grouper are being missed. I can’t explain enough about how to be ready for the hit from a grouper when bottom fishing. You must use circle hooks when reef fishing. So, when you first feel the bite, slowly reel until you feel the fish. When the grouper starts to pull, reel for all you’re worth, then lift the rod (if you can) and continue to reel. The first thing a grouper will do when hooked is try to run into the rocks for cover. With that said, you have to be quick on moving the fish off the bottom. Again, reel, do not set the hook bass master style or you’ll lose a lot of fish. Also, the season closes December 31st. Even after the season closes, catching and releasing is still a blast with these very hard fighting fish. We have also been catching some nice Cobia, so always have a quick pitch rod ready.
Inshore fishing is still going strong. The sea trout are moving into the shallow flats. That means, it’s one of the best times to catch a big gator trout. Start early in the morning and look for trout in the 3 to 10 feet grass flats with spotty sand patches. I like to drift these flats with a ¼ oz jig and either a 3-inch Gulp shrimp or a live select shrimp. Once you get a bite, try to work that area, trout school up and you can catch many in an area. If the ones you catch are small, move to another area. I have found that trout seem to school in size–move a little and you may up size the school. Look for redfish and snook in the backcountry along the warmer oyster beds, rocky areas and the mangroves. Look for moving water and structure. Both are key to finding these fish.
I’m always looking for reports and pictures. From the Fishdaddy family to yours, we hope you have a safe, great holiday and better New Year. Thanks for reading my articles for the past six years. And, thanks for this great “free” magazine.
Get out there on the water and make some memories with friends and family!