As we head into the new year and back half of our winter season we expect a new pattern of fishing to emerge, both deep sea and inshore. Water temperatures in the low 60’s will have some species fired up while others will get lethargic. This past week on our inshore charters our anglers enjoyed a solid Redfish and Trout bite, which will remain steady even with the cold water. Sheephead and black drum will start to become more prevalent as we head into February. Fishing oyster beds and pilings is the best way to target these great eating fish. Shrimp has always been a good bait during winter as the fish go into foraging mode rather than chasing down schools of bait and expending precious calories. By using top of the line gear and light tackle, our anglers are much more successful in feeling the lighter bites of sheepshead and mangrove snapper. Once hooked these fish fight hard and present an exciting challenge to keep them from breaking the line around nearby structure. On the Deep sea charters we are seeing very good numbers of Hogfish with quality size as well. Not only are these excellent table fare, they put up a phenomenal fight on medium tackle. In addition to them, Porgies and Red Grouper have been showing up on a consistent basis. Gag Grouper are also thick and are a fun catch and release target while hunting for keeper fish that are in season. Amberjack seem to be loving our current conditions also, and while the season is closed to harvest, they make a fun species to target and let go. While much of the northern US is dealing with freezing temperatures and snow, the Tampa and Clearwater area is enjoying a rather mild winter so hop on a flight and go fishing!
Grouper Fishing in Clearwater
Winter time Trout fishing
