Capt. Don McPherson
Nearshore Fishing
The month of December provided us with the typical weather of pretty days, some chilly days and a few rainy days. January should be similar with maybe a few more chilly days. I like January fishing for bull redfish. You must have patience as you approach the gulf. That is the time to start scanning the surface for bait activity, birds diving and maybe redfish on the surface. Ride slowly and look. I prefer to place a couple of #3 spoons behind planers as I ride and watch for activity. Once I find any kind of activity then I like to cast a curly tail grub. This type of fishing can be a blast. These big bulls can weigh 20-30 pounds. The typical north wind in January is blocked by land and condos along the beach and presents nice calm water within a couple of miles. This is perfect for redfish fishing. My other favorite type of fishing is finding and hooking into sheepshead. Again, this fishing is done with light spinning tackle. February should also provide the same fishing.
Offshore Fishing
The key to offshore fishing in January is selecting that nice calm day. We have those days. You just have to plan, and watch the cold fronts. Find a day in between fronts and you are usually good to go. Scamp grouper, vermillion snapper and white snapper are good tasty fish that will be in season. Deep drop fishing is also good in depths over 400 feet. You will usually find the tilefish in depths over 600 feet. A high speed troller may catch you a king mackerel or wahoo offshore.
Don’t stay inside all winter or in a tree stand. Take a few days and travel to the Alabama Gulf Coast. There is seafood year round and always nice accommodations at a discounted rate available in the winter. Let’s Go Fishing!
Capt. Don McPherson
251-752-0235
Getaway Charters
www.getawaycharters.com