Head for deep water during winter in south Florida for a fishing bonanza. You will find all sorts of species trying to maintain their metabolism by trying to fatten up, which will later on lead to spawning periods for some of these fish. Whether there are pelagics like cobia, mackerel, tripletail or the local resident fish like redfish, snook, and trout they will be around. And in a little deeper water like rivers, big bays, and nearshore wrecks. Big tarpon, sheepshead, and black drum will be biting with a vengeance.
A few strong fronts are needed in order to fully transition and change into full-winter mode, which will concentrate fish into the deep holes and channels. The tough side of this will be dealing with fluctuating winds and very low tides. Many, many areas will be inaccessible even to the shallowest drafting vessels. I have used this to my advantage and remember being the first to many flats adjacent to deep holes. In the deep backcountry where the bottom is solid-we used to get out and wade. And we would score redfish and snook often this way. Once the tide was on the way in we would use the skiff.
Biscayne Bay should continue to have a good grouper and mutton snapper bite. But by this reading, get your chumbag ready and your silver spoons and mylar jigs because Spanish and Cero Mackerel are hot, hot, hot. You don't have to go far for Spanish. Pick a high outgoing tide and have a variety of baits. Use sabiki rigs to get some pilchards and freeline them or fish under a float. Jacks and pompano will be around just like the regular assortment of snappers found in Biscayne Bay. Fishbites new scent molded baits have been excellent for catching all sorts of fish including the macks, just speed up your retrieve. Check these baits out at www.fishbites.com
One of my favorite winter tactics is the use of a live bait or lure under a cork. There are many products to use. Here are a few good ones: DOA deadly combo, Billy Bay Pop N Gurgle by Betts www.bettstackle.net. These floats keep the bait in the strike zone and have unique clicking that makes for a more attractive presentation. Don's Bait and Tackle has the stuff you need for fishing 30710 South Federal Highway, Homestead. Call ahead and reserve your bait and ask. They can give you good advice, (305) 247-6616.
And now for the latest news and updates:
December had a very successful event at Homestead Bayfront Park with a children's fishing event. Kids were taught to tie knots, cast baits, and have fun catching fish in Biscayne Bay. They were given fishing rods, bait, a Christmas present, and even a cameo appearance by Santa himself. Please visit www.youthfish.org and make a donation. Ancla TV continues producing quality video revolving around Florida's waterfront and nautical community. Segments can be see on Youtube below keyword "ancltv". I am focusing on fun, instructional fishing segments in order to educate and teach our growing Hispanic community in the Spanish language. Feel free to contact us if there is something that you would like to see.