January is typically a windy month and it will continue the tradition if recent weather gives you an insight to the coming month. Using the right ramps can make your day a little easier in dealing with the weather.
Bridges will continue to produce sheepshead, black drum, croakers, sand perch and bluefish. Most of the anglers on the catwalks prefer live or frozen shrimp for these fish.
The inlet and Turning Basin will be full of bluefish, jacks and mackerel. Live or dead bait on a jig head will give you plenty of action along with silver spoons or shiny lures.
Around seawalls, channel edges or deeper structure you can find grouper for catch and release action in January.
Snook action around the jetties and bridges will be active mostly at night for anglers using feather jigs, Terror-Eyz and live bait.
Redfish can be found around docks and sitting on the flats on warm, sunny days. D.O.A. Shrimp, Terror-Eyz or C.A.L. Jerk Baits work great for wintertime fishing. C.A.L. Paddle Tails in the 411 color were a hit with the reds.
Docks will be loaded with sheepshead in January with nice sized fish. They have moved in early this year and have been hungry!
Pompano fishing will depend on water temperatures for their location, but they will be in the area throughout the winter.
Surf anglers will be targeting these fish on days when the beach is fishable.
Flounder should be found around the jetties on the beach side and on sand flats around the inlet.
If you can find warmer water on the flats, you will most likely find trout feeding in those areas. Last year, we were rewarded many days as the sun would warm up a patch of water and get the fish actively feeding. Trout fishing in 2013 rewarded us with many big fish in the 25” to 30” range. C.A.L. jerk baits and Deadly Combos were very successful on the trout, and 2014 should prove to be another good year.
Ladyfish and jacks will be all over the river for fun action for the little ones.
January Tips: Dress for the weather. We might get one or two days each week that might be warmer, but most days will be on the cooler side. There can be a 30 degree swing in temperature on some days. Dressing in layers can keep you comfortable throughout the day in January. Once you become cold, it’s hard to warm back up again. Keep yourself comfortable and enjoy some good fishing in January. Stay warm and safe and enjoy the winter!
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby….it’s an ADVENTURE! Have a wonderful 2014!