[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he subtle shades of the Florida winter will become more evident during the days of January. A steady and rhythmic procession of cold fronts will continue to sweep down, across the peninsula this month, shaping the near coastal fishing zone of Martin County. Fresh winds and cooler temperatures, both in the atmosphere and the water, will energize resident bodies of fish and steer schools of many migratory or pelagic species into our offshore reef areas. Lane Snapper, as well as mangrove and mutton snapper will heed their instinctual call to populate natural and artificial reef structures from 50 to 150 feet of water. Like all winter months, January will be typified by choppy ocean conditions, punctuated by brief windows of relatively” calm” weather. Fishing crews must anticipate these user friendly stretches of weather by closely following weather forecasts and other reference points, such as offshore buoys for wave height trends and periods, inlet and beach webcams, and wind graphs. Tracking information from all these sources will enable captains and fishermen to make educated and safe decisions for offshore fishing adventures. Once east of the St. Lucie Inlet, offshore enthusiasts will find large schools of Spanish mackerel in 20 to 30 feet of water and substantial “nests” of king mackerel in 60 to 80 feet, over top of bottom structures. “Shiny” live and dead baits, like Spanish sardines and threadfin herring (greenies), will be the baits of choice when targeting king mackerel. Twenty-to-thirty-pound fishing tackle, 5/0 single, tandem or triple hooks will snag and hold the biggest of “slimeys”. The razor sharp teeth of the king mackerel will necessitate anglers to make adjustments to their terminal tackle, by adding a stretch of wire between hooks and leaders. January will not only open the door to a New Year, but also to nature`s offshore, saltwater grocery store.
