January Fishing Report
The cold fronts are bringing 40-degree lows to the West coast of Florida. That means more than dressing warm. It means changing gears completely in the days following the fronts.
The flats that were just loaded with gamefish are now almost barren of fish.
Where did they go? The deeper warmer water of the canals, channels, and bigger holes that are all over the bay.
There is still a hot bite if you adjust your fishing style.
First thing is to slow it down. The fish still have to eat but they will be conserving energy and will be even lethargic at times. Working artificial baits at a snail's pace will usually provide solid hook ups while fishing deeper water.
Soft plastics are a proven producer as are appropriate hard baits.
The advantage of fishing a hard bait is no need to replace the lure even after a full days fishing.
In the middle of Winter our go to hardbait is the Mirro-Lure Heavy Dean.
This is a proven fish catcher. It gets down deep and stays deep if you retrieve it at the proper slow pace.
Just cast it out and let it sink, give it a twitch and wait. Repeat until you're fighting a big snook, trout, or redfish. Top colors for the bay are whatever you feel confident in. In general Muddy waters from a North wind dark colors work best. When the water clears up switch to one of the live bait patterns.
If you think you're fishing it too slow and not getting bites then fish it even slower.
Now is a great time to use a fish attractant like Pro-Cure too. Inshore Blend and Shrimp are top choices for a Winter bite. Apply some every 20 cast or so.
Another thing to remember about Winter fishing is to lighten up the gear. A shimano vanford 2500-3000 size reel on a custom kris green 7'6" med action rod loaded with braid and a 15lb fluorocarbon leader will get the trick done in most cases. Bigger fish can be landed on lighter gear this time of year.
If fishing the residential docks bump up to 15lb braid and 20lb leader.
For the bait fishing crowd this is time for shrimp. Go with hand picks or bigger for snook, big trout and reds. Regular shrimp will add sheepshead, mangrove snapper, and flounder to the mix.
Pinch the tip of the tail off and use a #1/0 hook with a current appropriate split shot or barrel weight 1/8-1/4 or 1/4 oz jighead and you'll be cranking them in.
If you would like to learn how to fish the Winter bite in the Bay book a trip with one of our Captain's and get hands on experience.
We have multiple boats and Captain's to handle from one angler to over 20. Book your trip today.
Now it's time to take these tips and get out there and fish!
What makes our charter service unique is that we cater to disabled veterans and wheel chair bound clients! Our boat is able to accommodate wheelchairs and is ADA compliant. IF YOU’RE A DISABLED VETERAN YOUR TRIP IS FREE!!! This is our way we give back to our veterans.
Pocket change inshore fishing charters
Capt. Anthony Corcella
727-432-6446 www.pocketchangefishingcharters.com
Check us out on Facebook Pocket Change Inshore Fishing Charter