January is typically our coolest month of the year. The days when the fronts are absent, the sun is shining, and the thermometer gets up into the mid 70's, can make for some awesome fishing!
January is another month that you should keep an eye on your tide chart before planning your day on the water. We have some extremely low tides around both the Full and New moons. If you get caught in a -.5 low tide that you did not anticipate, it could ruin your day! Be extra careful with the morning low tides January 7th – 11th, and the 20th -24th.
Speckled Sea Trout season re-opens January 1st and will now remain open year round without closure. Local rules for our area allow 4 per person, between 15" and 20", and allow you to keep just one over the 20" mark. These rules do vary so be sure to confirm them with current regulations by the FWC at www.myfwc.com.
The shallow grass flats are alive with Trout, Bluefish, Ladyfish, Jacks, Spanish Macks, and some Pompano. One my favorites are DOA jerkbaits and shrimp, both in rootbeer and white color. You can also use 3/8 oz bucktail type jigs tipped with a very small piece of shrimp.
The oyster bars hold Sheepshead & Redfish. If presenting natural bait, they both like to eat crustaceans like shrimp, sand fleas, and fiddler crabs. Fish for these guys on the oyster bars on the incoming tide.
Snook are being caught but please remember that they are catch and release only, and still in a recovery state since the 10 day freeze of 2010. Take a quick photo and quickly set them free. We have been catching Snook over oyster bars on good moving outgoing tides. They have been hitting a variety of baits including jigs, soft plastics, and live bait.
Capt Pete Rapps
239-571-1756
CaptainRapps@gmail.com
Hailing out of Chokoloskee Island Park Marina, Chokoloskee, FL
Capt Rapps has been fishing the Chokoloskee area for just over 20 years. He offers expert guided, light tackle, near shore, and backwater fishing trips in the Everglades National Park. If you are looking for a fun, easy going, and enjoyable day fishing and exploring in the Everglades National Park, look no further. Capt Rapps and his guides accommodate all men, women, & children of all ages, experienced or not, and those with special needs. Between their vast knowledge & experience of the area, and easy going demeanors, you are guaranteed to have a great day. Book your charter 24/7 with his online booking calendar, and see his first class web site for Booking info, Videos, Recipes, Seasonings, and more at www.CaptainRapps.com
