Some ideas for winter fishing and fishy things to do if it get too cold again. We did get some serious winter cold last month. We lost some fish in many areas. Snook are closed till September because of the cold fish kills. I have personally observed some dead snook but also many more live healthy fish of all sizes. Trout and redfish we not hurt at all. Yes the cold hurt us but we defiantly still have plenty of fish and fishing to enjoy, on warmer days. We can take in some of the boat show opportunities to look at the latest gear, boats and gear priced to move, and a great networking on the cold windy days. I have been working our local Gulf Coast waters since the early seventies and this was the longest cold, hard cold I have experienced.

Local water temps dropped into the upper forties, for several days. It was one of those unique flukes that keep nature in balance. We had enjoyed about a decade of mild winters with little and even no freezes and we were over due. I hated to see so many fish wasted but the crabs and shrimp will thrive and “it happens”. The very tight snook slot and season provided more fish but we were denied the chance to reap the harvest of our efforts by Mother Nature and Florida Fish and Wildlife.

F&W was so quick to closes snook this spring but NEVER seems to be able to relax any of these sever restrictions. How long are trout closures and Goliath grouper going to last??? We do need management and have learned to limit of take but we also need a fish or two to take home to eat! Again we still have snook and let’s see how things progress this summer. Right now the season is still set to open September the First and we sure could use some good fishing news here in coastal Florida. Trout and reds are available and open. Cold water fishing for both species is excellent. Trout seem frisker and much firmer flesh for feasting now. Look to deeper areas on cold fronts and follow fish to the warmer flats on sunny afternoons. Lures are your best bet now and soft plastics are the easy ticket. Sheepshead are abundant and easy to get to without a boat. Look at piers like the Skyway and Placida RR Trestles for shore bound fishing. Observe the local experts and you will eat more fresh filets. Fish structure and fish it tight. Crabs, shrimp and clams all work for baits. You must be very aware to feel these convict fish nibble on your string. Grouper and red snapper are closed thank National Marine Fisheries for this untimely mess. Ask em to explain their fact defying “science”! Boats shows are everywhere this time of the year. Some are huge like the Miami show coming soon. It is a circuit and they have one somewhere every weekend. The shows are wonderful ways to enjoy a cold windy day learning about fishing. The industry is struggling and bargains abound if you shop carefully. Salesmen are motivated make your move to get that great deal on a new reel of boat. Times are tough so get out and have some fun on the water with friends and family. Help stimulate our fishing economy! 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