Winter is a challenging time to fish the Forgotten Coast and this weekend won’t be an exception. The recent heavy rains have muddied and diluted the coastal rivers, the flats are especially chilly and there’s another round of cold temperatures on tap. All that combines for shorter feeding cycles and hit-or-miss opportunities.
Trout are particularly sensitive to salinity levels and the large run-off and reinforcing rain this week will probably push the fish downriver in search of saltier zones. Those stretches closest to the Gulf, especially with oyster bars and deep holes, will provide the best chances for success. Slow suspending baits like the Shimano Coltsniper, Paul Brown Fat Boy or MirrOlure Catch 2000 are all effective options. Natural colors are never a bad choice, but if the water is stained or murky, then pearl, chartreuse and gold patterns will match the conditions. Retrieves must be slowed down to meet the trout’s winter metabolism.
Shrimp lures and touts are more winter standards. Added a squirt of Pro-Cure bait gel will increase the attraction factor. So will noise.
Redfish are much more tolerant than their speckled cousins. There are still some reds prowling the flats on low tides after the sun is out, but more will be found in the backcountry’s brackish waters. Weedless Aqua Dream spoons (1/4-ounce to match the hatch), smaller plugs like MirrODines or shad tails pinned to a light jig head or weighted worm hook will entice the copper drum.
Sheepshead are around in good numbers. Fiddler crabs and live shrimp will fool these tasty barred porgies, if they don’t steal the bait first. Convict fish are very subtle nibblers, so braided line will help detect the tiny taps. Black sea bass are thick on the nearshore reefs and structure.
Winds are expected to be breezy Friday and Saturday coming on the heels of the latest front. Sunday might be the best window. Tides will be extreme and with the north winds will be slow to move. Negative tides will bottom out before daylight and slowly rise until the lunch hours. Shields Marina and the St. Marks fort ramp will be the safest spots to launch as a result. Prime feeding windows will be the last couple hours of the daytime rising tide.
Copyright 2020, Capt. Dave Lear. All rights reserved.