Looking back over the last few years, the month of December has not been too cold for fishing. The water temps are usually in the upper 50’s to low 60’s, and the fish are still feeding actively. The bait stealers are gone; so when you do get a bite, it’s usually a game fish of some sort.
My charter business targets sheepshead inshore during the winter months, using fiddlers for bait until the waters get really cold and the bite shuts down. While we have baits down for the sheeps, it’s a good idea to toss out another rod or two with a live shrimp or minnow. The same areas of structure that hold the sheepshead will also be home to other fish such as black drum, black sea bass and redfish. The nearshore reefs are really good this month as well. There may be some bull reds still on the reefs, as well as black drum. The black sea bass are always out there, and the spiny dogfish sharks will be showing up towards the end of the month.
Always take safety precautions before heading out to a reef. Be sure to check the wind forecast, and always let someone on shore know where you are heading and when you will be returning.
Capt. Mike Waller
www.saltfisher.com
(843) 224-8197
