Even though the winter months are the slowest fishing windows of the year, inshore game fish still have to eat sometime. Those who brave the elements can have some great action, albeit often for only short durations. Unfortunately, the uncooperative weather has allowed only limited forays into the briny lately.
Trout have been consistent in coastal rivers, backwater sloughs and tidal creeks. Those with dark, heat-absorbing bottom are particularly good places to prospect. Shrimp imitations, flukes and jigs work well for specks and can be quickly replaced if they get tangled with rocks or stumps. Dark colors like root beer with gold flakes, avocado and watermelon are effective. Slow-sinking plugs also work well, with natural patterns getting the nod. In certain conditions, like flooded oyster bars, a topwater lure can entice explosive surface strikes, too.
Redfish can be mixed in the same areas as trout. But since they are much more cold-tolerant than their speckled drum cousins, reds will also forage along shorelines and flats in the winter months. Spoons, shrimp lures and crustacean pattern flies are good options for the reds. You may find one or two in the shallows or you may encounter triple-digit schools of fish.
Striper reports have been few lately. Tossing larger swim baits and plugs around docks at night are likely to coax a striper into action. Sheepshead have also been quiet—or those targeting them are keeping it to themselves. Bridge pilings and docks are good spots to try with live fiddler crabs or shrimp if convicts are on the menu.
Coming off the new moon, tides will be in the negative range this long holiday weekend, with lows mid-day. That means good sight-fishing opportunities if the winds cooperate and caution is needed depending on the launch ramp.
This is also the time of year to get ready for better fishing days ahead. Servicing the boat trailer and outboard can be done even in blustery conditions. If you don’t do the work yourself, beat the springtime rush at your favorite service center. Bad fishing conditions are also great times to clean, re-rig and organize tackle or study charts to gather intel for future trips.
Copyright 2024, Capt. Dave Lear
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