Another year is coming to a close on the Space Coast. The days are getting shorter and the flats have cooled with each passing front. The north winds that accompany these fronts will continue to drop the water levels in the lagoons. The higher waters won’t return until the southerly winds of spring! Yep, its sight fishing time for the space coast and now is the time to prepare. Kayaks have the ability to chase our reds and trout into the shallowest backwaters. Many boats will bottom out and be unable to pursue these game fish as they sun and warm themselves in inches of water, so it’s a good time for kayak fishing in Brevard.
All of the space coasts fish will fall into distinct patterns as winter progresses. Key in on these patterns and you could have fishing that will rival even the best warm-month seasons. The most prolific pattern is what I call the “on/off pattern.” This involves our gamefish physically moving on and off of the shallows in a daily cycle! Even the large mullet 12inch plus will partake in this pattern and are a great indicator of a flat that is active. As the sun fades on the horizon those shallows will become uncomfortably cold for feeding and hanging out on! As those water temps drop; fish that hunted on the shallows for warmth and food will recede into canals and deep holes for shelter and warmth. Deeper mud bottom canals and holes will retain the heat of the day through the night. The trout, reds, and those mullet know this. Flats with these “protected” areas close by will be your best sightfishing areas. Shallow waters warm quickly and a mud/dark bottom substrate it will warm even quicker. Our fish will seek out these warm spots to shake off the cold of the night and grab a bite to eat.
No need to get out of bed at the crack of dawn for these hungry fish. Sleep in a bit and grab that extra cup of coffee; because 9am-3pm is the top time to chase winter fish in the shallows. One thing that you will notice on the winter flats is a lack of small finfish. Naturally the gamefish will respond to this by changing their dietary preferences. Smaller easily caught prey like crabs and shrimp will suit these predators well as their metabolism slows. Likewise your lure choice should mimic this change in behavior. I like the Slayer Inc. SSB rigged on a weed less jerkbait hook and the hot color last winter was Pepper Death (www.SlayerInc.com). Due to the cleaner water as a result of fewer microorganisms brought on by cooler weather, I scale down my leader to 15lb. fluorocarbon to entice a strike. Work your designated area slow and pay close attention to the schools of large mullet These large mullet will not only indicate that the water has warmed, but as they mill about and puff the bottom they will dislodge shrimp and crabs. Reds and trout will hang close to them for an easy meal.
Be sure to stop by my favorite yak shop Kayaks by Bo (KBB) and see the new edition. “KBB Outfitters” not only a great place to pick up all your tackle necessities, but also a great place to hang and chill. Pick up a book and do some reading on fishing, swap stories of your day, or just hang with redfish Chuck and the rest of our Space Coast Kayak Anglers crew. I will do my best to keep everyone posted on events and seminars to be coming soon. Be sure to catch me on FaceBook.com/AlexGorichky or Local Lines Guide Service for info, pics, tips, and tactics.