Here it is January 2021–how fast the years come and go. As we get further into winter, anglers can expect some colder weather, which means the snook have moved into their winter haunts. Sometime after the first cold snap, they begin transitioning into rivers, creeks, deep estuaries or anywhere holding warmer waters.
Remember, the tides also play an essential role in wintertime fishing. Moving water forces bait to swim, making easy targets for hungry fish. The first of an incoming or outgoing tide usually produces the best results; so, try planning your trips around tidal movements. The same area producing snook and redfish, also produces trout. Look for hard sandy or rocky, broken bottom grass flats with plenty of potholes and mangroves. The following areas are excellent starting points for fishing: Picnic Island, Simmons Park, Bishop Harbor, Joe Island Weedon Island, Fourth Street, Cypress Flats, Rocky Point and Double Branch Creek.
For snook, artificial lures do well during the winter. Remember, wintertime fish move into deep waters seeking those warmer muddy bottoms. There is nothing as exciting as fishing topwater lures. Topwater enthusiasts find the strike anticipation is loads of fun, even during the winter. Good choices for winter artificials include sinking or suspending lures and soft plastics with an 1/8-ounce jig head—these always produce. However, if live bait is your game, shrimp always entices a bite.
Redfish typically stay relatively active, because the cooler water doesn’t affect them like it does snook. Broken bottom grass flats, submerged oyster bars and mangrove shorelines usually hold feeding redfish. Here again, artificials still work for redfish during the winter. For us diehard topwater anglers, it’s hard to resist a surface walking MirrOlure (MirrOdine) or a (Top Dog Jr.) And, for all the live baiters, using greenbacks (if you can find them), or shrimp, dollar size pinfish, cut-bait, and plenty of wintertime patience should do the trick.
Spotted sea trout action has been steady this year; but, it should go on the upswing with wintertime’s cooler water temperatures. Trout fishing seems to be better on strong tides around deep-water flats. The best baits are shrimp, pinfish and greenbacks. Deeper flats, moving water and a popper type float prove deadly in catching nice fish, especially when rigged with either live or DOA artificial shrimp. Don’t forget to try casting soft plastic paddle tails rigged on a 1/8 or 3/8-ounce jig head–bounce it off the bottom during the retrieve. Remember, the bite always comes as the baits begin falling, so don’t be surprised to have a fish on as your lure hits the water.
Also, don’t be surprised to see cobia following larger stingrays and manatees. As we get deeper into the winter months, you should see them around the hot water discharges of power plants. Sharks also frequent the warm water discharges this time of year, so don’t be surprised when you catch one while targeting Cobia around the power plants.
Sheepshead will show up everywhere during the winter spawning months. Try fishing for these great fighters around markers, bridge fenders, docks, or practically any type of structure. Shrimp, fiddler crabs and small rock crabs always produce.
Last, but not least, be sure to check out the rules and regulations on myfwc.com.