Winter Fishing

I would like to start this report with and apology to the readers of this site. I have been a bit lax in writing fishing reports this winter. Sorry about that all!

I am finding good schools of Red Fish throughout the harbor. On sunny warmer days they like to get up shallow and soak up the warmth. These days make for excellent sight fishing. Artificial baits should be light so that they land very soft. I like split tail jerk baits. Throw the bait a few feet outside of and beyond the fish, use a slow retrieve. When the fish starts to key on the bait let it sit for a couple of seconds, then give it a quick twitch. Often fish will race to eat the bait.

Cold overcast days find these fish in deeper water. Gulp Shrimp rigged on a ¼ ounce Mission Fishin jig head will get them to eat. These days require more work as the fish are not visible, once you catch a fish concentrate on the surrounding area. Chances are good that the fish is not alone.

There are plenty of good trout on the deeper grass flats. Live shrimp fished under a popping cork will catch you some real good dinner. For artificial baits use a DOA shrimp rigged under a popping cork. This is also a great trout finder as it allows you to work an area quickly and effectively.

Area bridges and other barnacle ridden structures are holding Sheepshead in abundance. Live shrimp or sand fleas is the bait of choice here. A good way to get these fish going is to scrape some of the barnacles off of the structure, creating a ready made Sheepshead chum slick.

Remember courtesy goes a long way on the water.


Captain Tim Mills

http://www.dhatldoit.com

941-270-6172