Changing weather pattern results in fishing tactic changes
Is it winter yet?
If you haven’t noticed, winter arrived in the new year and shut down the unseasonable summer-like weather.
Cold northeasterly winds and falling water temps require us to adapt, which is changing the way we’re fishing and even the species we’re targeting.
Shiners are less abundant on the flats and in the bays, but using live shrimp as bait is a good alternative. That being said, fish that don’t eat shiners and prefer shrimp such as sheepshead, black drum and pompano — are on the menu. You’ll find redfish and snook will readily take a live shrimp if it swims in front of their nose — so will most other species in the winter.
On my charters, I’m flip-flopping between shiners and shrimp for bait. I’m carrying both in the boat. Fishing nearshore structure is producing limits of mangrove snapper and, right now, they prefer the shiners.
On the other hand, I’m finding pompano and permit along the beaches, which definitely creates a need for shrimp. You can catch the pomps and permit on plain old jigs, although I feel adding a piece of shrimp to the equation sweetens the deal and results in more action.
And I’ll tell you what —we’re also catching sheepshead, flounder and whiting on these tipped jigs where typically they may not catch these species on a naked jig — especially the sheepies.
Finally, jigging the deeper flats of Sarasota Bay with soft plastics, such as DOA Cal jigs, is resulting in respectably sized spotted seatrout. Trout 18-20 inches are taking these jigs as they are worked along the grass beds and through sandy potholes. And, just to keep things interesting, bluefish and jack crevalle are patrolling the flats, providing drag-screaming light-tackle action.
Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says despite the cold weather and strong winds out of the north, pier fishers are coming up with decent catches. For the most part, live shrimp is producing a bite at the pier. Casting shrimp under the pier deck and around the pilings is resulting in sheepshead, black drum and flounder. All three species are feeding on the bottom. Malfese advises to use a weighted rig, such a knocker rig or fish finder rig, to get your bait in the strike zone.
On calmer days, it may be wise to try fishing with small jigs tipped with shrimp. This method can be effective, for pompano, permit and numerous other passersby, including jack crevalle, blue runners, blue fish and ladyfish.
Capt. Aaron Lowman is focusing his time on the water and artificial reefs and ledges in the Gulf of Mexico. Starting at the shallower reefs, Lowman is finding mangrove snapper in respectable numbers. Live shiners on a knocker rig are resulting in snapper up to 18 inches, as well as flounder and Key West grunts. Moving to deeper water, say 40 feet or so, Lowman is using the same method of fishing. Live shiners on a knocker rig are attracting attention from mangrove snapper, as well as catch-and-release grouper and an occasional cobia.
Free-lining shiners on deeper structure is resulting in kingfish and Spanish mackerel. To achieve this bite, Lowman is chumming with live shiners and a chum block to put some scent in the water. With determination and patience, he is attracting kings and macks to the boat and his clients within casting range.
Capt. Warren Girle is finding good action on the flats of Sarasota Bay by drifting and jigging. He’s leading clients to a varied catch. Pompano, the most sought-after fish on the flats this time of year, are coming to the hook on small jigs tipped with pieces of fresh-cut shrimp. Ladyfish, bluefish, jack crevalle and spotted seatrout also are striking the shrimp-tipped jigs.
Moving to the Gulf of Mexico, Girle is working shallow water structure to find mangrove snapper for his anglers. Live shiners fished on a bottom rig are resulting in limits of mangoes with some fish exceeding 18-inches. Flounder, juvenile grouper and Key West grunts are mixed in.
Finally, on somewhat deeper structure, Girle is catching more snapper, as well as the occasional cobia. The cobia are hitting live shiners on the bottom — the same as the snapper.
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