Cool weather flourished bringing gusty winds, this past week. The fronts have been steady lately, hopefully the moderate temperatures will return. January is at mid way and fishing is providing steady action for anglers.
Inshore anglers, reports of tarpon in the icw and inlets on outgoing tide during the evening, produce fish from 20 to 60 pounds. Live baits produce best results, those who prefer artificial lures, doa jigs will get your reel screaming. Juvenile tarpon are in schools in back bays and canals with mangrove shorelines. Top water plugs worked at sunrise and sunset offer explosive action.
The back bays and canals are teaming with snook from sun up to sun down along seawalls and docks. Live baits have been the key, look for the snook near the surface basking in the sun. Night fishing is also another option for those looking to avoid boat traffic. Pitching live shrimp near dock lights is a blast and its great for the whole family. Smaller baits offer more strikes, fly fishing is a great tactic for non stop drag screaming action.
The grass flats are still full of the pesky ladyfish, but trout, redfish , pompano and snapper can all be found in depths of 2 to 8 feet of water. Live shrimp under a popping cork, or a buck tail jig tipped with shrimp produce fantastic results. Look for any sign of life while on the flats like manatees, dolphins stingrays and bait pods, all are great signals fish are near.
The fresh side of things peacock bass have been very active along sea walls and grass banks. The peacocks are taking flies, and doa cal jerk baits moved quickly, live shiners are great for bigger fish along drop offs. The bait schools are prevalent in open areas and along grassy banks. Peacock bass and large mouth bass are ambushing these bait schools. Birds are a giveaway to were bait schools are thriving, providing anglers with the hot spots to target. Largemouth bass are striking jigs and spinner bats near lily pads and docks, many of the bass are schooled up, allowing anglers to have multiple hook ups.
Well that is the fishing report for the past week hope you all enjoyed. Remember you cant catch them from the couch, so get out there and get hooked up. Tight Lines! Craig Korczynski, PhlatsInshoreFishing.com, 5616444371