We are finally headed into our winter fishing season and it's about time! It's been warm enough to disorient the mullet migration a bit. Biscayne Bay waters have started showing character as well on the days around cold fronts with screaming winds however; fish are responding in close proximity of major cuts and channels.
Government Cut has been holding tarpon, snook, grouper, and mixed bag of other bottom dwellers. Areas adjacent to Bear Cut have been alive with snook and tarpon during the eves. I prefer these high-traffic areas either early or late for obvious reasons. A combination of live bait and lures will get the fishes attention. And outgoing tides with good flow are indicative to good fishing.
The flats south of Key Biscayne will still be worthwhile poling and staking out around. Unless it's a really cold day, such as below 60 degrees it's still possible to get bonefish on the deeper edges. Conditions are not optimal for bonefish in the winter so you may want to adjust the game plan. Working the finger channels is usually a good idea as are island seawalls. Finger channel fishing is interesting because you can catch a variety of fish. Expect some nice mutton snapper and be patient for the bigger fish. Fishbites new molded baits are ideal for fan casting and blind casting. Live shrimp and pilchards are great natural baits. A block of chum on a flats edge near the entrance to Stitlsville is the starting place for bait. Don't forget your castnet. We will usually end up attracting jacks, pompano, and other fish while catching bait. And it's good practice for the Spanish mackerel run that will peak in January and early February.
Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show had some traffic though not like previous years. Looks like some folks will be getting into new boats. Hell's Bay Boatworks debuted two new models, a 12' super microskiff and the Neptune-their largest flats model. Things do look like they will be progressing as we head into a new year with the Miami Boat Show right around the corner. Some folks are downsizing and getting into smaller boats. If you are getting a new or used boat, feel free to call me with questions. News from me is to expect some fresh fishing segments for Ancla TV for the new year.
The backcountry of Flamingo and Whitewater Bay is where I will spend many winter days hiding when it's too rough on the Atlantic flats. We will be throwing plugs, flies, softbaits at laid up and cruising fish. This should be a banner year for big redfish and trout. Expect the big reds right around the coolest temperatures and the spawning seatrout will be heavy right after winter. I have had many friends who have picked up on flyfishing and are showing interest in learning this art.
Flamingo and Whitewater Bay is the perfect place for beginners. Give me a call for a casting lesson or a flyfishing/light tackle trip.
