Anglers are getting out to do some fishing during the winter break but weather conditions make it challenging.
Some know-how and determination combined with a little luck are factors coming into play as strong breezes from the north combined with cold fronts frequent our area. The conditions trigger drops in water temperatures, which can make the fish finicky.
The use of live shrimp as bait is firmly established as water temps hover in the high 50s to low 60s. In cooler temps, the fish aren’t motivated to chase down a shiner. So it’s off to the bait shop to buy shrimp.
Many species being targeted prefer to eat shrimp and other crustaceans.
Sheepshead, for example, has a diet that consists of crustaceans. So using a live shiner would be futile.
Pompano, also present in our waters in the winter, are another species that will go for shrimp.
And redfish, trout and snook switch their menu choices to shrimp during the winter.
Shrimp are slow-moving targets that require less energy and effort to eat than chasing down shiners. And, with water temps as low as they are, you can bet fish are less motivated than during warmer times.
Locations where we fish change with the conditions as we experience cold days — and colder days. Fishing the back bays and rivers is a good choice, as many species are searching for warmer water.
An increase of a couple of degrees can make a dramatic difference in the bite.
So try to find canals and seawalls or other areas with sun and warmer water, as such areas will probably hold fish.
And the shelter in the canals from the wind will help keep the anglers comfortable, too.
Lastly, try to pick days between the fronts, when the air and water temps have time to rise. On such days, you’ll probably find your best chances of catching fish. Fishing in the afternoon can be advantageous too, although warmer mornings can be productive.
On my Just Reel charters, I see a lot of redfish being reeled to the boat.
Fishing around rocks and docks with live shrimp as bait is leading to exceptional mornings. On some mornings more than two dozen reds are being caught, as well as a mix of sheepshead, black drum and an occasional flounder.
Migratory fish such as ladyfish and jack crevalle are being caught around the passes.
Jim Malfese at the Rod and Reel Pier reports that despite the pier being closed for a few days for repairs due to damages after the wet, windy weather we had Dec. 16-17, anglers are returning and catching plenty of fish.
Black drum and sheepshead are the primary catch, with redfish mixed in the bite. Malfese said pier fishers using live shrimp as bait coupled with a bottom rig are having good results.
Casting the shrimp under the pier among the pilings is getting the best action. Most of the black drum and sheepies being caught are of legal-size, which gives anglers the opportunity to take fish home for dinner. As for the reds, some are over-slot fish, exceeding 27 inches in length, while some are falling in the slot of 18-27 inches.
Capt. David White says he’s catching sheepshead while working the inshore waters of Tampa Bay. Using live shrimp around rocks and docks is leading to some nice catches of the popular wintertime fish.
And he’s putting anglers on redfish and black drum in the same areas. Again, live shrimp are working as bait.
Targeting fish in areas where the water is slightly warmer is leading White to find a bite. Sunny places such as residential docks and deep canals, with black muddy bottoms are where warmer water might exist.
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