Weather controls our Winter fishing; it can be warm and sunny one day then cold, wet and windy the next. We do have some great fishing if you can match your trip with that fair weather. I need to point out that some of our best catching is as our fronts move in and the conditions change dramatically; and this can be wet. Steady, high or low barometer conditions are not the turn on for fish. If fish are not cooperating try some shopping for Christmas gifts; spend more time and get more smiles for your bucks. Your time is the best gift your can share anyway; spend time with family and friends. Winter fishing has some dependable patterns you can take advantage of. For example we have very low morning tides on Full and New Moon phases; especially with strong Northeast winds. Take advantage of these conditions to learn where sand bars, oyster bars, deep holes and channels are located. You can snap a photo and use it to remind you of the bottom layout when tides are back up. Blow it up on your computer and make printouts.

Note the flows out from the flats and back into them and tides reverse. Fish follow these paths from and back up onto these areas to feed. Note clear water flows off flats even after rough weather,(grass filters it), and you can track inward paths by the dirty stirred up flows as currents push water back in. Fish stage at outflows awaiting food washing to them and use the deeper paths back on to the flats to feed. Even if it’s too windy to fish you can gain valuable knowledge by just studying the area under these low tide conditions. Redfish are a main target now; trout are closed and snook is out on December the First. You can reach many productive areas without a boat by wade fishing.

Weedless spoons and lures are great now. Bait fish can be more work than required now. Work those deeper holes on low tides and shore line edges on higher tides. Look for any movement in the water and concentrate your casts near edges and points. Fish like the security of deeper water but need to be near the food on the flats. Local bait shops can help in your area. You can buy a gift and get local knowledge at the same time. Build relationships here for future help. Sheepshead offer shore based anglers opportunity now! While they are challenging to catch, they taste great plus abundant for the next few months. Visit local bridges and piers to learn how it’s done. Just watch the folks with big stringers! Don’t be a nuisance and find something you can give back; even a cup of warm coffee or cold drink. Note how the experts FEEL the slightest nibble. Pull fish away from structures as you set the hook. Fiddler crabs and shrimp work great. Do not keep more than you want to clean; it’s work! Braid lines are a big advantage here.

Pompano are due to rescue us soon. We use custom pompano jigs. Hop jigs along the bottom and fish around the Gulf Passes. Be careful to just hop em not jerk em a yard at a time. Learn the difference between jacks and pompano/permit! The first are fun the other two food. Many bridges and piers offer you the chance for a fine family feast. Pompano come and disappear constantly; they don’t sit still long. Please don’t get hung up on expensive gifts; your shared time is perfect. Consider the recipient and make or shop around for the special things that will be used more. Take a kid or friend to a bait shop and let them help you find the match that insures many fond memories for years to come. Thanks to all the closures many tackle shops have the time to answer your questions now. Little thoughtful things really show your love, find special gifts and make our challenges positive. Merry Christmas. Let’s go fishin’ soon. Capt. Van Hubbard Past President of Florida Guides Association and Winner of 1999 Mote Marine Award www.captvan.com info@captvan.com