Stephen Decoulos
So, what to do in Southeast Florida this month? Take a look at what’s gone on in January first. Depending on weather conditions, the shrimp could be in full force or could be just getting started. The best time to go is around the full moon and big blows. And if the two meet….look out, here come the crustaceans. You will need lanterns, underwater lights, shrimp nets ($42.99 for 18 Foot Expandable- at Atlantic Bait & Tackle and Florida Native Bait & Tackle), cast nets, coolers, a 5 gallon bucket ($3.99), ice and your favorite beverages. You can get the shrimp via boat or by land. You will find them in the inlets and near the bridges. According to “El Herald,” Miami and Hillsboro Inlet in Broward are two of the hottest spots. Get out there and get you some shrimp cocktail on a nice cold night!
Inshore fishing will be transitioning. The good thing about the shrimp coming through the intracoastal waterways on the tide changes is that it turns on resident fish. Tarpon and snook will try to fill up on shrimp and should provide a lot of fun for anglers. Most intracoastal tarpon are between 5-30 lbs. Twenty pound spinning tackle with a 50# mono leader and a free-lined shrimp will get you into fish. You may also want to get your pompano tackle ready, because if the spring run decides to be early, you don’t want to miss it. Docs Goofy Jigs, Pompano Rigs, pyramid lead and sandfleas are what you will need. (Limit 6 per person, 11 inches to the fork.)
Mackerel, both King and Spanish, should be plentiful. Use Krocodile spoons, jigs, sidewinders, Gotchas and live bait on the piers and reefs.
Offshore will be great all around, getting out is the problem. Sailfish, kingfish, dolphin, cobia and wahoo will be plentiful this month. You have to pick the days between blows, but it will be worth it.
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Tight Lines,
Stephen Decoulos
Atlantic Bait and Tackle
954-946-1040 Pompano Beach Florida
Native Bait and Tackle
561-738-2246 Boynton Beach