Warmer Weather and Fish Turning On!

Hi everyone and I hope you are having a great New Year! As most of the country, we have had our fair share of below normal temperatures. My January was pretty slow with some cancellations. But, now things are looking up and I’m getting busy! Enjoy the latest report and thank you for reading….

We are finally approaching some stable weather, and hopefully rising water temperatures will entice the fish to bite well. Our most cooperative species, trout, sheepshead, flounder and redfish have been the usual targets over the last couple of weeks. My most successful days have been while using live shrimp around the islands in St. Joseph and pitching under docks and along the main shoreline for redfish. Most catches have been small for redfish, but occasionally we will get into a school with some larger fish, even over slot! When dock fishing, it’s common to get a nice sheepshead nibbling on a cut piece of shrimp. I usually will cut shrimp in two pieces and thread them onto a small number 2 size hook to allow the sheepshead to eat the whole piece and slowly pull away, putting pressure on the line and becoming hooked. They are very tricky, but with a little practice you’ll know when to start reeling.The trout have all been keepers, with only a few over the 20 inch mark. High tides have definitely been more successful, especially after the sun heats the incoming water on the flats. The water temperature will rise 2 to 3° in the afternoon as the tide moves across the flats, then later falls out towards the passes. Translucent, silver and chartreuse jigs have been working for the trout as well. Presentations must be slower than usual, bouncing off the bottom occasionally. Ladyfish are still swarming in certain areas providing a lot of action on slower days.

So that’s what’s happening! Please get your day reserved before they fill up through the spring!

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I have plenty of openings in the next few weeks! Don’t hesitate to call or email and set up your day on the water! I hope to see you out here soon! Capt. Brian