Winter fishing in south Florida means a lot of fun. Cool, crisp weather with blue skies makes the day pleasant but what you're really in for is the hot winter bite. In the backcountry if water temperature is really low I will use shrimp on a troll rite or knocker rig and work the canal and creek bottom slowly. This technique will catch drum, sheepshead, trout, snook, redfish, grouper, and just about anything including winter flounder. This is the time of year to find black drum in large schools and they will be very hungry. In the open waters of Florida Bay there should be plenty of seatrout. Look for clean water on a rising tide or the high outgoing for best results. Check Whitewater Bay for laid up and rolling tarpon by casting subsurface plugs and flies. I would use 30# braid and a minimum of 40# leader material. Fly rods should be at least 10 weight in size with sufficient backing, close to 300 yards.
In Biscayne Bay I will be fishing the finger channels for mutton snapper on the cold days. On the warmer days we will be hunting for bonefish on the flats and edges where there should be some mudding fish. North Bay area and the Coconut Grove flats should have seatrout on the grass beds. Use popping corks and jigs for fast action. The deeper cuts will also hold tarpon, snook, and big jacks. Fish the bottom with live or dead bait for best results.
On the windiest of days take out the canoe or kayak and head into Biscayne Bays inland creeks and make an adventure of it. Everglades National Park, whether Flamingo outpost or Everglades City has numerous options and marked trails. Check the national park and state park websites for trails and rental/launch options.
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