This winter fishing has been much better than the past season. We have experienced a really good bite in the backcountry and also bay waters. Flamingo has had a good trout, redfish, and drum bite. There have also been big schools of Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, sharks, and cobia swimming in the open grassflats and nearshore basins. I have continued to use Gulp and Fishbites with great results on ¼ and 3/8 ounce wide gap jigheads. Popping corks like those made by Bett's have been the attractor to our baits. Whitewater Bay has also produced some really nice seatrout and snook. This area can be fished on the windiest days with ease. Look for moving water, birds, and the tide change.
Although Biscayne Bay bonefishing has not quite yet reached its springtime best; there are still plenty warm days that they can be fished. Look into Oceanside flats and deeper edges where fish can be seen mudding. Throw live shrimp and big flies around these spots. Don't forget to have a crab at the ready . Big mutton snapper and grouper will take the live crabs. As we get closer to March and April we should also see some good early morning tarpon fishing. The deep bridges from and cuts are always worth stopping and casting around.
Often overlooked is the trout fishing in north Biscayne Bay. And the western shoreline of Biscayne Bay from Matheson Hammock to Homestead Bayfront. Here a variety of species can be fished for. I think there is a lot of potential for fishing these areas if you vary your technique and explore a bit. Get out and try something new this spring. Whether it's in our local bay waters or down in the deep Everglades-you'll have some fun and excitement on the water.