The weekly cold fronts and the 30 knot winds that come with them, have arrived. This can make fishing difficult at best and if you don’t have a plan, impossible. The snook are still in their backwater winter homes. The redfish will get lockjaw after the front, and the trout can be hit or miss on the flats.
You have to adjust your plan, if you want to put a bend in your rod. Luckily, there are options.
Some of the biggest negative tides of the year are in the winter months. This will trap the fish in the potholes and channels. Live shrimp are a best bet. For artificials, go with a soft body bait like the Highwater Lures JB Golden or Pocket Change colors on a Mission Fishin 1/16-ounce jig; or, a suspending bait like a MirrOlure MirrOdine.
The water is crystal clear this time of year, so don’t be afraid to drop down on your leader to 15-pound fluorocarbon. Another best bet is fishing the many residential docks that line the Bay. Sheepshead, black drum, redfish, trout, flounder and snapper will stack up under the docks and can provide nonstop action. The additional bonus is that many of the docks are protected from the harsh northern winds.
Again, live shrimp are your best bet. Soft body jigs like Gulp can fill the cooler, as well. When fishing the docks, pay attention to the direction of the current. Make your presentation in the direction of the flow. Live shrimp should be freelined with the addition of a small splitshot, if needed. Throw lures up-current and work them back toward the structure slowly. Winter fishing is all about slowing things down. If you’re cold, the fish are too.
The final option is targeting sheepshead. As mentioned, they will be found at residential docks, but the hot action will be at the area bridges. The Skyway, Dick Misner and Gandy bridges are all famous for both big fish and hot action. Knocker rigged shrimp, both live or dead and cut in pieces, are a popular choice. Fiddler crabs and barnacles also work well. Use the smallest hooks and lightest line and weights you can get away with. The sheepshead are notorious bait stealers. Sometimes when you feel the bite, it’s too late. That’s why they wear stripes. They earned the nickname “convict fish” for a reason.
Just remember don’t let the cold weather keep you at home, if you adjust your game plan, the fishing can be red hot.
I would also like to announce that we are working with a new apparel company Salty Traditions. They make hats, face shields and really nice sublimated ink microfiber fishing shirts. They have unique artwork, and the quality is second to none. These shirts stand out on the water. So, if you’re not catching fish, at least you’ll catch looks!
Now it’s time to take these tips and get out there and fish!