Now THIS is a Florida Winter!

1/30/2012

It's been a very mild winter for us in Florida. Only a few cold dips so far. Some days in the 80's! Now that's why I live here! The fishing has been good too. Here is the story...
Trout are still our main focus. The bigger females have started to move into the area. They are not as concentrated as years past but we still have plenty of time for them to continue migrating to the region. The bite has been good in the morning on the incoming tides. Live shrimp are our choice of baits this time of year, however, jerkbaits are working well too. The spoil islands are holding many fish. You really have to methodically work the area to find where the school may be gathered. Once you find them, a freelined shrimp or under a cork will get a hit. They have ranged between 16 - 24 inches! Nice size fish.
Although Trout are our staple fish this time of year, the Redfishing has also been good. A lot of docks are holding decent fish. There are also some canals with oyster bars that have a good number too. Any areas that have depth near by will hold Reds in the winter. Some fish are on the flats along the eastern shoreline. I like to use the trolling motor, moving from sandy hole to hole, watching for Redfish to dart away. Then, once I know I'm in the right area, I will stage up and put out the shrimp. I like to lay the shrimp freelined into the sandy holes I can see, then wait. After a few minutes without a bite, I'll continue to the next hole.
That is the majority of my activity around here lately. There hasn't been much action offshore for me to spend time out there. There has been plenty of action inshore though. I look for the same through February as long as the weather holds out. I hope to hear from you soon. Call me and we'll book you a trip to get out there and have some fun on a warm winter day in Florida. Let's go fishing!!!

Capt. Brian