Fishing – 02-04-2015

On again, off again winter weather results in sporadic catch

The cold weather is upon us. The lack of cold fronts and rough seas I spoke of in last week’s fishing report are came back to haunt me.

I kind of feel like a weather forecaster – expect light wind and warm temperatures. But maybe not this week.

Despite our dose of winter, we’re seeing a roller coaster of temps and on and off winds every few days. I’m still finding fish willing to bite. When fishing the beaches, live shrimp fished on the bottom or on a small jig is producing bites from whiting, bluefish, sheepshead, black drum and plenty of bonnethead sharks. This may not be the most glamorous bite, but hey, it’s a bite.

Fishing structure such as artificial reefs in Tampa Bay is on the verge of becoming really good. Sheepshead are beginning to school up prior to their spawn. Although the bite is a little sporadic now, expect it to improve in the weeks to come.

Lastly, avoiding the weather by dock fishing in protected canals is a good go-to on windy, cold days. Redfish, black drum and flounder can be found lurking in these areas. Live shrimp on a knocker rig will put fish in the cooler.

Capt. Warren Girle is in search of slightly warmer water this week. Working in canals where water temps can be slightly higher Girle is catching sheepshead and black drum. Both species are being caught on live shrimp. The key is casting your shrimp under the dock and along the edge of the seawalls or mangroves.

On the flats of Sarasota Bay, Girle is finding spotted seatrout. This bite is occurring during afternoon hours when the sun has had plenty of time to warm the water. Soft plastics, slowly jigged through sandy potholes and across grass beds are triggering strikes. Live shrimp under a sock are also producing.

Finally, on days when winds are minimal and the Gulf of Mexico is calm, Girle is venturing offshore for mangrove snapper. Fishr up to 18 inches are being caught on live shrimp or fresh-cut shiners. Along with the snapper, Girle is finding porgies, hogfish and Key West grunts.

Capt. Rick Gross of Fishy Business Charters is working a typical wintertime pattern, which consists of targeting backwaters such as canals, bayous and the back bay in search of warmer water. Redfish, black drum, flounder and sheepshead are being caught in these areas by baiting live shrimp. Casting shrimp under docks and around seawalls lined with oysters is providing action for Gross’ winter-time clients.

In these same areas, Gross is seeing concentrations of snook, which are schooled up in warmer water. Although Gross chooses not to specifically target these winter-worn snook, he’s still hooking up a few while targeting other species. Most are 20-30 inches. After reeling these fish in, Gross is gently reviving them to make sure they survive for another season.

Finally, nearshore structure in Tampa Bay is attracting sheepshead and Key West grunts. By dropping live shrimp to the bottom, Gross is capitalizing on this bite. Keeper-sizes of both species are making it to the cooler, to the fillet table and then the fry pan.

Capt. Aaron Lowman at Island Discount Tackle is targeting pompano along the beaches. On a day when winds are from the east, Lowman is cruising Anna Maria and Longboat Key shores in search of these schooling fish. By casting small pink or chartreuse jigs tipped with shrimp, Lowman is managing to get keeper-size pomps as well as a variety of other migratory species. Jack crevalle, bluefish and bonnethead sharks are on patrol along the beaches and will readily take a jig. Two other species hitting the jig, thanks to the added piece of shrimp, are sheepshead and black drum.

Dock fishing is also proving prosperous for Lowman, especially on cold windy days when there aren’t a lot of other options. Casting shrimp on a knocker rig under docks and along seawalls is attracting sheepshead, black drum and redfish to his cooler.

Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says that due to strong northwest winds and choppy conditions, only the die-hard pier fishers are making an attempt to get a bite. Braving the strong winds and cold temperatures is resulting in sheepshead, black drum and flounder. Although the bite is sporadic at best, determined fishers are catching enough to take home for dinner.

As the winds lay down and water temps slightly rise, you can expect to find bonnethead sharks, ladyfish and jack crevalle coming to eat live shrimp on your hook. Also, pompano should be making an appearance at the pier in the weeks to come.

Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.