January 31, 2009
Wow! Here it is....the end of another year and where did all the time go again. Seems to fly by each year. We had lots of fun out on the water in 2009 and want to take a second to wish everyone a Happy New Year and hope the best for you in 2010. We made lots of new friends this year and renewed friendship with many more out on the water. It was a fun year!
Cool weather and windy conditions have made it difficult to fish, but the fish are there if you can get out. Look for warmer water for your best opportunities this time of year. I was out with Wayne, Mike and Justin. The water was cold, but we did find some fish around the inlet area where the water was warmer. Keith and his boys, Turner and Frank, were back down to visit. The boys had some fun around the docks and each caught their first redfish along with a variety of other fish. Tom, Pam and Sam were back out with me again this year. Pam and Sam caught the most fish and a variety of species. Sam caught his first and second snook this trip. Pam caught a huge sheephead that gave her quite a battle. It was a fun week on the water.
Most of the action has been around the inlet area. If you can find warmer water, the trout will be feeding in those areas. Docks have been very productive with large variety of fish hanging under them. Live shrimp worked best for us under the docks, but a DOA shrimp or TerrorEyz can work just as well. Mackerel, bluefish and jacks have been all over the inlet and turning basin. Shiny lures work best for those speedy critters. Bridges have been producing black drum, croakers and sheephead. Some large sheephead have been out there lately. Flounder have been around the inlet on sandy flats the past few weeks. Pompano are around the river, but the winds have kept anglers from getting out. The surf has been rough lately, but pomps and whiting await anglers there. A couple of sunny days will warm up the water a little and improve activity on the flats.
Tip of the Week:
Wintertime......time to fish deeper cuts and channel edges. Time to slow down those lures as fish get cold and lethargic. Time to change up fishing patterns and lures to find what will produce on any given day. Time to dress in layers to keep warm early and be comfortable throughout the day. Time to appreciate that hot coffee on those 40 degree mornings. Time to dig through the closet and find those long johns. Time to use the winds to your advantage on the flats. Time to fish the back side of islands. Time to pay attention to water temperatures. Time to enjoy living in Florida.....even if it is a little cold some days!
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Good Fishing! Happy New Year!
Captain Charlie Conner
http://www.fishtalescharter.com
captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
