Fishing has been good just not consistent. When fronts have pushed through fishing has been poor. On the other hand just prior to the fronts and during good weather fishing has been good. Seatrout can be found in deep holes (7 to 12 feet) at low water fishing bait or plastics. Seatrout can also be found on traditional drops when the tide is moving. The bite can be soft and slow when water temperature is hovering in the low 50’s. When water temperature is on the rise the bite can be hot and fast! When fishing a hole you believe is holding fish and nothing happens slow your retrieve. Capt. Eric Traub reports large seatrout are filled with hard backs – small shrimp. This is a good time to down size your bait!
There have been of reports people seeing schools of redfish and not able to get these fish to bite. Sometimes that just the way it is. Fish, even redfish do not continually feed. Current, water temperature, clarity and predators can all impact a bite. Another consideration is how much pressure are these fish experiencing. Fish that have seen just everything thrown at them can be very spooky. This is an excellent time to try something different: stay further away, pitch quieter lures (such as a DOA shrimp), use a push pole in lieu of a trolling motor, simply drift or anchor up. Even spooky fish will eat. The range of a school of redfish isn’t miles and miles. Reds will be near structure. When redfish are in open water its usually because they have been pushed from a favorite spots. These fish are on move and not likely to eat. When several boats are presents on a flat your best bet isn’t to compete. Look for fish elsewhere or simply stake up.
Fish the conditions
Sounds simple. Everyone wants to know where did you catch those fish. Location is important but just as important are the conditions. Look for what the day will allow and fish those conditions. When fishing a drop for seatrout in clean, clear water lengthen and lighten your leader, down size your hook. This simple step can mean all the difference in a day of winter fishing. Fish in water just above 50 degrees will usually bump at bait several times before committing to the bite. Watch for subtle movements of your float or a slight bump of plastic. This slight indication could be a nice seatrout. Slowing your hook set is usually what’s in order. Twice this week I’ve caught myself missing the first fish or two due too fast a hook set. In one day you might see a soft bite in the morning turning to an aggressive bite in the afternoon as conditions warm. Even within a few cast you might notice an aggressive bite followed by soft bite. All I can is thats’ winter time fishing! Fishing can be good just a little unpredictable.
Those looking forward to bumping the bottom need to wait no longer! There have already been several reports of good whiting catches! Wind and tide are the biggest factors. When the sounds are rough whiting fish is limited to protected water. Despite lots of wind there have been several good catches up and down the coast. It seems a little early for sharks. Nonetheless there reports of black tips showing up as well.
Hope this of help! Practice catch and release whenever you can and go light on take of redfish!
Good Fishing! Capt. Jack McGowan