January finally gets that ocean water cold and it’s time for the bottom fish to come in tight. It’s a time when nice snapper and grouper can be caught along the shallow “beach reefs” to the south. Those reefs along the beach and within a few miles of shore are good alternatives when the wind is westerly and the waters well offshore are no fun. Big gag grouper can move into these shallower areas so try heavier gear and a live bait on the bottom. Also, big sheephead and triggerfish will be present, so mix it up with some lighter tackle and a #2 hook. In January, the reefs in 60 and 90 feet are excellent fishing. In addition to snapper and grouper we always seem to pick up some nice cobia off the bottom. Remember, when you are grouper fishing and you realize you’ve hooked a cobia, loosen the drag immediately. The hammered down drag of grouper fishing may result in a lost cobia. The cobia will need to run a bit to prevent broken lines and pulled hooks as you fight him near the boat.
Kingfish fishing will continue to be solid this month. Keep a live bait or a frozen sardine freelined while bottom fishing. The kings will need a small wire leader. Target them by slow trolling and drifting over the reefs. Keep a couple baits near the surface and a couple baits at mid-depth. A simple rig is a two-to-four-ounce jig head with a live bait or frozen sardine hooked through the lips. Prepackaged “kingfish rigs” are always a good way to go. Put an egg sinker above the swivel to get your bait to the proper depth.
Sailfish can be hot this month when the fish move to the north. Look for them in the 180 feet range off of Bethel Shoal. Trolling smaller blue/white Islanders with ballyhoo seems to work well. Keep a naked ballyhoo in the spread too. If you locate the fish, switch to drifting live baits and circle hooks on eight feet of 60-pound flour leader. Remember that regulations require keeping released sailfish in the water while de-hooking and getting pictures. Please handle these great fish gently and revive them well boat side before releasing.
Best of luck out there everyone and have a great New Year!
FORECAST BY: Capt. Randy Lang
Sebastian Gypsy Fishing Charters
Email: gypsycharters@gmail.com
Website: www.sebastianfishingcharter.com
