Winter Kayak Fishing for Sea Trout

INSHORE FISHING

Winter

Kayak Fish

FOR FLORIDA SPECKLED SEA TROUT

Staff Report

Winter is a great time to fish Florida Speckled Sea Trout. From December through February, the Speckled Sea Trout (also known as Spotted Sea Trout or “Speck”) catch is rated, not good, but excellent! Specks up to 3.3 feet and 17 pounds can give any angler a challenge. The Florida state record, by the way, is 17lbs, 7oz.

Any experienced trout fisherman will tell you that landing one of these spirited fighters is quite a thrill. This sense of excitement intensifies when you fish winter Florida Sea Trout from a kayak.

The excitement of kayak fishing is greater than you might think. First, you’re much closer to nature in these light craft and once you’ve hooked a Speck and the chase is on, you’re in for an entirely new experience. Read the tips below and you’ll understand how to be safe and avoid a Tallahassee toboggan ride.

Accessibility: If you can’t find ‘em, you ain’t gonna catch ‘em. As you’ll see later in this article, Sea Trout’s’ favorite haunts in the winter include places a lot of boats can’t realistically reach. Kayaks allow you to embark from just about anywhere and to go where the Specks are most abundant and hungriest.

Kayaks are quiet. Cruising along on a kayak is

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ing fun

and relaxing, but more importantly, you can sneak up on these cagey critters. Specks spook easily, especially in shallow water, so the element of surprise give you an edge over motorboats. It’s an adventure. Just like Louis and Clark did in the 1700s, you’ll be winding your way through the spectacularly scenic Florida waterways for an up close and personal look at wild life that won’t be scared off by a motor’s disruptive din.

Kayaking costs are low compared to other craft. Whether you rent or own, setting up a wellrigged kayak can get you on the water for pennies on the dollar.

There is comfort also. Modern fishing kayaks are well equipped with cushy seating options so your day will be spent as if you are hanging out in your favorite chair.

Now that you have good reason to try kayak trout fishing, here are a few pointers for landing a

passel of these sports fishing favorites.

As the winter waters chill, Sea Trout seek the more stable water temperature in deep channels and brackish backwater mangroves and estuaries.

In the morning and evening, look for them in the deeper channels, deep holes, near drop-offs and ledges, and around structures below ten feet.

Sea Trout metabolism slow significantly during cool winter months, so artificial lures worked at a pace slower than used during the summer months, and live bait a few inches off the bottom, will produce better results.

During the middle of the day, Sea Trout will move to shallow areas where water temperatures

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INSHORE FISHING

warm. You’ll find them in sea grass meadows and mangrove-fringed shorelines. Black, mud-bottom, inshore areas absorb heat well and make good fishing spots. These areas, in particular, can open up a whole new world when kayak fishing.

Local anglers typically use a seven and a half foot medium-action spinning rod good for long casts to cover a broad area. Match it with a good spinning reel that can handle 15 lb braided line.

Specks aggressively attack artificial jigs and top water bait-like lures. If you’re a fan of live bait, then shrimp, mullet, porgy and pinfish are popular choices. You might even try a popping cork to attract attention.

Bear in mind that Sea Trout run in pretty large schools, so don’t be in a hurry to relocate after landing a few of these beauties;

more are likely to be around.

So, armed with the above tips, you’ll be ready to push off on a kayak to go fight some sturdy Sea Trout. Here’s some information about fishing kayaks to get you “underway”.

Most fishing kayaks run from 10 to 14.5 feet. Different hulls are designed to accommodate open ocean waters or inshore and backwater environments. You can find them rigged and equipped with optional accessories, including rudders, handles, rotating rod mounts, a GPS holder and even coolers. Options are virtually limitless, so you can customize your craft to meet your fishing fancy.

One tool you won’t want to economize on is a good paddle. It can make a significant difference in ease of propulsion and maneuverability, so it’s well worth a few extra bucks if you’re purchasing. You might find that gloves come in handy also.

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Other gear that are musts in Florida include a life vest, a whistle or horn, and a light if you venture out in the evening.

Plenty of local paddle shops offer kayak rentals, so test driving a few different varieties can help you decide what suits your style.

Once you’re outfitted, keep a few tips in mind when kayak fishing. First, be mindful of wind and currents, both of which can take the joy out of your journey. If it is breezy, find a sheltered spot on the leeward side of the wind. An anchor or power pole is a good idea if you want to stay stable and not undergo the experience of a free Uber ride courtesy of a large, powerful fish.

There’s not much more to add. Now you know where to find Florida winter Sea Trout, especially those hard to reach spots that a kayak can carry you to and how to catch ‘em, All you have to do now is wander out on the Florida waterways and start snagging some winter Sea Trout for your dinner plate or your trophy wall.

All the ins and outs of navigating, fishing and exploring Florida’s water wonderland are at your fingertips with a free subscription to Better Off Wet Magazine. Sign up today for Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer editions. Each issue includes insightful articles and keeps you in the know about anything marine related. Get yours now and remember you’re Better Off Wet!

Any experienced trout fisherman will tell you that landing one of these spirited fighters is quite a thrill.