A number of fish species are filtering into the area with the winter weather. Spanish mackerel, bluefish, pompano, sheepshead and black drum are all great winter fish to get out and catch. Water temperature dictates a lot this time of year and some of them move around as the water temps fluctuate. Look for Spanish mackerel, bluefish, jacks and ladyfish to fill the inlets and turning basin with the incoming tides. Small shiny lures work best of these fish. Sheepshead, snapper and black drum will hang around bridges, docks and channel edges in winter and can be caught on small jigs, like a DOA paddle tail and live or dead shrimp. Pompano can be found along the surf, inlets and deeper grass flats of the river. Small DOA paddle tails or Doc's Goofy Jigs are great choices for pompano along with sand fleas on the beach. I enjoy wintertime fishing with the variety of fish that inhabit the area this time of year.
We have found jacks just about everywhere we have been fishing this week. Snook and redfish have been hanging around mangroves and docks. I like the DOA Terror Eyz in the root beer color when snook fishing around the mangroves. We haven't gotten a chance to do much trout fishing lately with all the winds. With the current water temperatures, you should still find some trout on the grass flats. Remember to slow down your presentation when fishing artificial baits. Fish are getting more lethargic and dependent on the sun to warm them up. Fish will be slower reacting to lures now.
Colder weather is coming soon. Dress appropriately and don't forget sun screen. Watch the weather forecasts to determine when and where you want to fish. I love this area because it provides someplace to fish in most any weather condition. Have fun and enjoy the fishing in December!
