Winter Is Here

The weekly cold fronts have arrived. This can make fishing difficult if you don't have a plan. The snook have begun to move to their backwater Winter homes, the redfish will get lockjaw after the front , and the trout can be hit or miss on the flats. You have to adjust your plan if you want to put a bend in your rod. Luckly there are options. Some of the biggest negative tides of the year are in the winter months. This will trap the fish in the potholes and channels. Live Shrimp are a best bet. For artificials go with a soft body jig or a suspending bait like a Mirro-lure. The water is crystal clear this time of year so don't be afraid to drop down on your leader to 15lb fluoro . Another best bet is fishing the many residential docks that line the bay. Sheepshead, black drum, redfish, trout, flounder, and snapper will stack up under the docks and can provide nonstop action. The additional bonus is many of the docks are protected from the harsh northern winds. Again, live shrimp are your best bet. Soft body jigs like Gulp can fill the cooler as well. When fishing the docks pay attention to the direction of the current. Make you presentation in the direction of the flow. Live shrimp should be freelined with the addition of a small splitshot if needed. Throw lures up current and work them back towards the structure. Slowly. Winter fishing is all about slowing things down. If your cold the fish are too. The final option is targeting sheepshead. As mentioned they will be found at residential docks, but the hot action will be at area bridges. The skyway, dick misner, and gandy bridges all are famous for both big fish and hot action. Knocker rigged shrimp, both live or dead and cut in pieces are a popular choice. Fiddler crabs, and barnacles also work well. Use the smallest hooks and lightest line and weights you can get away with. The sheephead are notorious bait stealers. Sometimes when you feel the bite it's too late. That's why they wear stripes. They earned the nickname "convict fish" for a reason. Just remember don't let the cold weather keep you at home, if you adjust your game plan the fishing can be red hot. . Now its time to take these tips and get out there and fish! What makes our charter service unique is that we cater to disabled veterans and wheelchair-bound clients! Our boat is able to accommodate wheelchairs and is ADA compliant. IF YOU’RE A DISABLED VETERAN YOUR TRIP IS FREE!!! This is our way we give back to our veterans. Pocket change inshore fishing charters Capt. Anthony Corcella 727-432-6446 www.pocketchangefishingcharters.com Check us out on Facebook Pocket Change Inshore Fishing Charter