On Jan 13th I woke up to a wind chill of 11 degrees. I had to look outside at the palm trees to see if I was still even in the south. I could on and on about how cold it is, but I'll bet you didn't click on this report to get a check of the weather. Instead, I'll let you in on how the fishing has been.
Some redfish are still on the flats along the ICW, and with the colder water temps the bite has been slow, although the reds will still show up for a free meal. If you're out, try a Berkley Gulp and dead stick it. To dead stick a Gulp shrimp, toss out your bait near or just ahead of the school and wait. When the fish get close, slowly twitch the jig to barely move it like nudging it along the bottom. You don't want the bait to lift much off the bottom if at all. If the fish smells the bait, there is a good chance that he'll eat.
Most of the Speckled trout have moved off the flats of the ICW and Pensacola Bay. Along with most of the specks, many redfish have moved north towards Escambia and Blackwater Bay. They like the warmer waters of these areas and the deepwater holes. When the sun comes out they will slowly move out of the deep holes and onto the flats to warm themselves up a bit.
Spring is not that far off and I'm excited what this new 2011 season will bring. Hopes are high that it's going to be a great fishing season for both locals and vacationers.
If you're thinking about going on vacation for spring break and want to have a great time, I invite you to visit Pensacola and try a fishing trip. Even if you're not a fisherman or fisherwoman, no problem; my proven techniques and years of fishing experience will help you catch fish. Come see our emerald green water and sugar white beaches, and enjoy all the sights and splendor of Pensacola.
Keep checking back to see what's going on along the panhandle.
Tight Lines.
Capt. John
