Winter is still in the air but I can't complain too much, it feels like its going to make it into the 70's today. I guess it's a little better than sub-zero like they are having up north. It's no wonder the birds migrate south for the winter and I have to say I have been seeing a lot of ducks out on the water lately, enjoying the Florida sun.
Anyway, the water did drop back into the high 50s last week. Slowing the fast snook action I was having, but on a positive note which seemed to be the pattern all winter long, the colder it got the better the red fishing has gotten. It really has been good the last couple of weeks. I think our redfish numbers are on a real dramatic rise because since I have been a fishing guide I really can't remember a winter when there were so many around. I mean they are just everywhere and in big schools, small ones, big ones, all sizes. I had a few schools this past week where the small fish where 29 inches and they went up to 33 inches. We where running out of shrimp and throwing some that where so small they where about the size of my pinky finger and we where still catching them. It's exciting to seen so many reds and it makes my job easier.
As for other catches, we are still getting a few snook even though I was not targeting them, with the water being cooler. Yesterday the water did hit 66 degrees in the last spot I was at around 3pm, so a few more days of nice warm weather and the snook will be exploding again. We have also been catching some decent flounder and some nice trout to mix the day up but they are just an extra bonus and something different to look at for my guys.
So that's about it, reds are good now, I will probably switch over to more snook in a few days with warming water temps. If you would like a spring flats fishing trip let me know soon as I am running out of days on my schedule. Also if you are looking for some tarpon action, May through July, averaging 75 to 130 pounds and some up to and exceeding 200, let me know soon. My tarpon dates are filling very early this year.
Good luck, see you on the water… Capt. Matt
