By Capt. Patrick Smith Contributing Writer
The year is flying by, but we have finally come to one of the best parts especially if you fish inshore and like to eat some of what you catch. The spillways will be closed most of the winter and because of that the water will start to clear up. As the cold fronts start rolling through the crustacean eaters will be lined up looking for shrimp and crab offerings. Sheepshead, black and red drum, croakers, snook and even small cuberas will be in the mix. Depending on water levels focus on docks, channels and deep holes. A tipped jig will usually keep you busy all morning. Fly fisherman can throw weighted shrimp patterns and clousers matching the water color. There’s normally juvenile tarpon around also and I prefer to use a D.O.A TerrorEyz to get tight with them.
In freshwater the peacock and largemouth bite will be on fire. Any baitfish offering whether its artificial or live won’t be ignored long. This is a great time to get down to Alligator Alley and rack up some serious numbers of fish on artificial and fly.
Good luck out there!
Capt. Patrick Smith
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561-503-0848