SOUTH FLORIDA WINTER FISHING

What a great time for fishing in South Florida.  Many of you reading this might not agree with this statement initially, but after some clarification you will probably agree with the statement.

Early winter offers great fishing in many different locations throughout the South Florida waters.  We’ll start with fishing the flats and/or the backcountry.  Back in Florida Bay, Flamingo, Chokoloskee and Everglades National Park the Snook, Redfish, Tarpon and Sea Trout bite is absolutely awesome this time of year.  Keep in mind that because of water temperature drops the location of most of the inshore species will be more predictable, if you find one fish you will have probably found many.  Jigs rigged up with some Spike It artificials or live shrimp work well when not sight casting to these fish in the skinny.  If you can fly fish, I prefer sight casting in the skinny with a fly rod.  It is much more subtle and accurate; I like to compare fly fishing in the skinny to a sharp shooter with a muzzle and a spin fisherman / jig to be more like a shotgun.  Both have a time and place where they are most effective and YES sometimes one is more effective than the other.  The well adapted angler can determine when, where and how to use the right tool. 

Fishing offshore this time of year many things are happening.  As winter approaches, not only are the air and water temperatures starting to drop but the winds are also increasing.  These changes cause fish behavior to change as well.  Baits and predators begin to adjust to these changes and here is where we the anglers come to play.  As temperatures and wind speeds begin to change into the winter patterns we start to see and hook up with great species like the sailfish.  Here in South Florida we start to see the sailfish on or just after the first cold front of the year.  Remember to keep a look out for frigate birds and when deliberately fishing for sailfish make sure you use circle hooks, I use Owner.  The circle hooks assure a good hook up and most importantly a safe release.  These fish love to come to the first reef line and begin a feeding bonanza on the baits that are being tossed around by the winds and waves.  The beginning of winter still allows most of the smaller offshore center counsel boats to go offshore for some fun fishing.  Deep in the winter months the colder temperatures and stronger winds and seas keep many boaters off the deep blue for many months.  You want big game, you’ll want to fish in big water.
 

Please feel free to call me direct at 786-295-4466 or E-mail me at CaptainMilito@FishingAdventureCharters.com