Happy New Year, anglers! Even though we are beginning the toughest month of the year for inshore pursuits, that doesn’t mean opportunities aren’t available. Besides, you won’t know unless you actually go.
The recent record cold spell shut the bite down considerably, when the winds allowed access. Spotted seatrout moved into the coastal rivers and creeks to seek refuge from the frigid water temperatures, which plunged into the upper 40s. Thankfully, no major fish kills have been reported in the Panhandle region.
Redfish are much more tolerant of temperature changes, but even they have been prone to lockjaw. The warmer temperatures this week should spur some appetites. Sheepshead are around structure, where they will deftly steal fiddler and other small crabs or fresh dead shrimp. Historic reports indicate the striped bass in Blackwater Bay should be on the prowl as well, especially at night. Finger mullet and white minnow pattern flies are top striper offerings.
Another cold front later this week will return more seasonal conditions. Use smaller, lighter lures on wary redfish like DOA shrimp, 1/4-ounce Aqua Dream spoons and small crab lures such as the new Z-Man Kicker CrabZ. For trout, slow suspending minnow lures, such as the Paul Brown Original or Rapala X-Rap in the skin series are good choices. Regardless, remember to slow the presentations way down. Cold-blooded game fish will not expend much energy chasing down a bait, but one moving slowly and vulnerable will get attention.
Saturday marks the first full moon of the new year. That will usher in extreme negative low tides in the mid-mornings. Choose launch ramps carefully or you might be sitting in the parking lot with the skiff on the trailer until there is enough water flooding in. Peak solunar periods with the best feeding cycles will occur in the early afternoons.
This is also the best time of year to get prepared for the prime spring season. Boat dealerships are typically slower right now, making this the perfect opportunity to get the outboard serviced, trailer checked out and knock out that punch list on the boat. Check batteries in accessories, inspect and replace safety gear if needed and test bilge and live well pumps. Get your reels serviced too, plus check over rods for any corrosion, cracked line guides, etc. Organize the tackle box/bag, replacing any suspect hooks, swivels and re-spool the reels with new fresh line. Before you know it, the pompano and Spanish mackerel will be back and it’ll be game on once again.
Copyright 2023, Capt. Dave Lear
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