Well it’s the New Year and the resolutions are flying around. I have only one; I am going to do my best to be a good steward of our lagoons and coastal areas. For the past several years I sat on the board of the Anglers For Conservation (AFC). This fine group of like minded individuals are responsible for many amazing things, but the one thing that brought me in is the Hook Kids On Fishing programs. I sadly at the end of 2012 stepped back from the board, and have been pondering how I will stay active for our lagoons and children. And that’s just it! Stay active! So many great groups do work in our area and any of them would be very pleased to have a helping hand. From beach cleanups, mangrove planting, restoration projects, AFC’s Hook Kids program, spoil island cleanups to educating people at seminars on how to correctly use and care for our great lagoon ecosystem. Some of these things only few have the ability to accomplish, but many of them anyone can volunteer to do. Only those of us that truly care and rely on these resources will fight for them with all our hearts. And even a second of time with family and friends on our lagoons will solidify bonds for life. Take a moment to check out the AFC at anglersforconsevation.org! Try and help out if you can, and you never know when the kids and I will be right next to you volunteering to clean a shore line.
Look for Seatrout to really hit that winter pattern hard if the cold fronts become frequent. As the tempter starts to fall our Seatrout will find shelter. Secluded canals in the 5-8 foot depth range are perfect cover for the overnight cold. Most in our area have muddy bottoms, and these will retain heat moderating the water temps. The mud coupled with protection from north winds will make these “warm“spots havens for trout big and small. Slow retrieves on bitter cold mornings will be the key! A Slayer Inc. SST pinned on a 1/8 oz. jig head, free lined live shrimp, and sinking twitch baits will all work. Pick your canal and wait for that cold snap! Best canals will be adjacent to shallow flats and as soon as the stop hitting in the canal. You should make your move to the shallows; they will be looking to warm up. This bite is best at day break and usually last for a few hours. Redfish and Black drum on the other hand enjoy the cooler waters. Redfish will feed through the day and produce spirited fights. The lack of fin fish baits will make for good tailing conditions, and many of the reds you find will be standing on their heads chasing crabs and shrimp. The large black drum have already started their move from the deep lagoon waters to the shallow flats. Cooler temps with abundant crabs and shrimp set the stage for these huge tailing drum. Practically blind utilizing its chin barbells/whiskers to probe the flats for a tasty treat, gulp shrimp, or cut crab.
Be sure to save the date: Boondoggle is coming February 15th at KARS Park should be a great way for you to meet industry folks and anglers too!