Fishing along Florida's east coast has slowed down due to frigid temperatures and breezy conditions reports Captain Keith Mixon (www.mixinworkwithplay.com). In the past week there have been only a few opportunities in which Mother Nature has allowed us to get out and wet a line. On chilly days, redfish will form in schools thanks to the cold water and low water levels along the flats. In areas near the Thousand Islands many of these reds will be feeding on shrimp as well as a variety of bait fish. In deeper water around bridges and channels black drum will not be able to resist shrimp, crabs and other types of crustaceans when fished on the bottom. It is not uncommon for several black drum to be thirty inches or larger.
Around Port Canaveral, sand fleas and shrimp are the bait of choice for sheepshead. During this time of year these fish are in abundance around bridge pilings as well as the jetties. Sheepshead are known to be "sneaky" when they eat. It will be important to fish bait in deep water in order to bring them to the boat.