The New Year and winter arrived at the same time with mid 20 degree low temps and highs only in the 50's. Water temptures fell quickly by more than 15-20 degrees in less than 24 hours. There where numerous areas that snook got caught off guard and small juvenile to mature snook where killed by the freeze. Fishing fell off as fast as the temptures and has only recently picked back up.
Redfish are starting to move back on to the flats after quickly fleeing the cold weather. Live shrimp and cut bait will work in the potholes on deeper flats. Trout are holding in good numbers in 4-6 feet with 1/8-1/4 ounce jig heads with scented plastics worked slow and on the bottom. Snook that escaped the cold are hold up in the rivers and canals and will readily take a live shrimp free lined.
The grouper and snapper bite is on fire off shore and is the best prior to a front or just after. Ledges and wrecks in the 80-foot range will give up a limit in a short time. Make sure to take frozen baits and a mixture of live baits. These fish change mood and can be seriously frustrating not to have live bait when they want or frozen if that is the case. A lot of times you can turn the bite back on by switching between the two.
Tarpon fishing is getting closer and I have been booking trips for the prime season with regular clients as well as some new clients. I expect to have another banner season since the harbor is still full of bait despite the recent freeze.
Capt Andy Boyette
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