By Craig Korczynski, Contributing Writer
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas. December fishing offers inshore anglers a plethora of species like snook, tarpon, pompano, snapper, mackerel, and many others. Every fish has a migration pattern due to structure, food, and warmth. Understanding the patterns is key to a successful angler.
Snook season closes December 15th, but that should not stop anglers from targeting them. Snook fanatics can find action near deep channels, docks, and sea walls. Live shrimp, D.O.A. Shrimp, and D.O.A. C.A.L. 3 inch Shad in glow gold rush belly are great choices to entice strikes. Back bays and canals are great as well. It is not uncommon in my area to catch 4 different species of snook. Nighttime fishing is also great to target snook. Fly fishing offers many strikes and drag screaming action.
Tarpon begin to rise and show anglers who the king is, try bays and flats this time of year. Live shrimp and mullet drifted with the tide is the best technique to hook a tarpon. Artificial enthusiasts can also get in on the action. D.O.A. 3 inch Shrimp in glow, as well as Rapala Subwalk and Twitchin’ Mullet baits entice strikes. The trick is to find the pattern the fish want and it’s on.
Jacks, drum, trout, bluefish, and lady fish all roam the flats and channel edges. Look for bait schools or birds in the area to locate fish. A good bottom machine like the Humminbird Helix helps pinpoint fish. Live shrimp freelined, and D.O.A. Shrimp or a D.O.A C.A.L. 3 inch Shad in glow holographic will get you hooked up.
Captain Craig Korczynski
561-644-4371 • phlatsinshorefishing.com