John Rivers

December is here and the big reds that we've been catching all November long are still around. The weather is still very nice, even getting up into the upper 60's and 70's on some days. You gotta love Florida. I've been catching more fish in our bay, which isjust how it was last December. In November, the reds were in the pass and just off our beaches, but a good quantity have made their way into our bays and the bite has been very good. When fishing for these big reds, always be on the look out for a large congregation of birds working bait pods. There is a very good possibility that there are some red fish lurking below. I always have a few rods rigged with a couple of different lures, such as a 1 –2 oz Spro Buck Tail Jig, second a 5" High Roller Top-water plug, and don't forget to put on a Berkley 7" Power Bait Holographic Black and Gold lure that imitates a mullet. You should always keep a Mann's Stretch 25 ready for trolling. I like Pink, but keep a few other colors on board because sometimes they won't hit pink and they will go for something else. Having this set of lures will provide you with just the arsenal you need to have a productive day of red fishing.

Throughout December the water temperature will continue to drop, but the fishing will still be very good as long as you don't mind a little cold weather. Flounder fishing will still be going strong in deep holes in the bay in and along the drop-offs in the pass. Don't pass up the rock jetties for a few tasty Mangrove Snapper, since this year has been the best year for Mangrove, and so far it's still going strong. Along 3-mile bridge and the deep holes in Big Lagoon, there are more white trout than your cooler can hold. They are great fun on light tackle, and for kids, it is a great way to get them hooked on fishing, because they will stay busy on these plentiful fish. Most of the trout are in the 1 – 2 lb range.

As you can see, December is going to be another great month to fish, so if you haven't already hooked up on one of these awesome big Reds, give me a shout and we'll get you your first every trophy Redfish.

See you on the water.

Capt. John Rivers

Mega-Bite Inshore Charters

850-341-9816

Mega-Bite Inshore Charters

Thanks to my sponsors:

Mann's Lures, High Roller Lures, SPRO Fishing Tackle Gamakatsu Hooks, Pure Fishing - Berkley

ABU Garcia, Shakespeare, Sea Pro Boats

Fish Species: Redfish
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Mark hooked up with this big red on a Spro Buck Tail Jig
Mark hooked up with this big red on a Spro Buck Tail Jig

Bob was trolling a Mann's Stretch 25 and landed this big red after a good 5 minute battle
Bob was trolling a Mann's Stretch 25 and landed this big red after a good 5 minute battle


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John Rivers

About The Author: Captain John Rivers

Company: Rivers to Bay Fishing Charters

Area Reporting: Tampa Bay, Clearwater, St Peterburg

Bio: Covering the Tampa Bay, Clearwater and St Petersburg area. Light tackle fishing for Snook, Redfish, Trout and more While cruising from spot to spot in our 24 ft custom Triton bay boat you will be riding in comfort, it has all the amenities. I\'m a veteran fishing guide of 18 years and you\'ll be in good hands. Thanks for stopping by. Tight Lines... John

727-313-1781
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