Coming off banner fishing over the long holiday weekend and the freezing overnight temperatures the last couple of nights, Big Bend anglers will be playing a piscatorial version of ‘Where’s Waldo’ this upcoming break. Coastal water temperatures have dropped considerably on the flats yet the forecast temperatures in the 70s should have the fish staging along the lower portions of the coastal rivers and tidal creeks.
Quality trout, reds, sheepshead, black drum and even largemouth bass and tarpon have come boat-side the last week or so. A few fish have been found up river. The numbers are low but the quality is high. Prior to the cold snap, there was still a considerable amount of bait hanging around, including pinfish, finger mullet and mud minnows. Live shrimp fished with a jig head or under popping corks are producing good catches. Get to the marina or tackle shop early if you want to ensure a day’s supply.
Lure purists are having success with shrimp touts and fake shrimp, shad tails and minnow patterns. White or pearl is a good choice with the crystal clear conditions. Naturals are never a bad choice, either. Fly anglers are scoring with streamer and shrimp patterns, plus Clouser minnows in a variety of colors.
Winds are expected to be light from the Southeast on Friday, followed by east 10-15 on both Saturday and Sunday. The Waxing Gibbous moon phase won’t be producing significant tidal flow, yet it should be enough to stimulate appetites. Water will be flooding in most of the mornings, peaking right around noonish. It will then fall all afternoon with lows right around sunset. Water exchange will only be 1.5 to 2 feet.
To maximize the odds of success the prime solunar period, the time when fish and animals are most active, will be from mid- to late-mornings as the moon is down.
The next few months are great for exploring and learning, too. Study charts, go slow and pay attention to the tides. Predominate north winds can keep the water from rising to expected levels and negative winter low tides can leave flats and normal navigable waters bone dry. Take advantage of the clear water and lower water to learn the area using your GPS to mark deeper channels, rocks, bars, etc. That knowledge will help your success rate once the flats do produce consistently in the spring.