WINTER FISHING TIPS
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navigating peace of mind
THE IMPORTANCE OF BOAT INSURANCE
Embarking on the open water is an exhilarating experience, flled with the promise of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a weekend cruiser, protecting your vessel with proper insurance is not just a choice—it’s a necessity. Explore the reasons why every boat owner should prioritize boat insurance for a worry-free voyage.
Unpredictable waters
The open water can be unpredictable, with unexpected storms, collisions, or other potential accidents. Boat insurance can give you fnancial protection if there is damage to your vessel, providing coverage for repairs or replacement.
Damage and injury
Accidents on the water can result in damage to other boats, docks, or even injuries to passengers. Boat insurance offers liability coverage, which can pay for damages or injuries you’re liable for while boating, up to specifed limits, and lawsuit costs if you’re sued. This includes damage you cause to another watercraft or if someone on or near your boat is injured and you’re found to be legally responsible.
Theft and vandalism
Unfortunately, boat theft and vandalism are realities that boat owners face. Boat insurance has comprehensive and collision coverage that can protect you against events outside of your control, including theft and vandalism.
Incurred medical payments
Accidents on the water may lead to injuries for you or your passengers. Boat insurance offers a range of optional medical payments coverage limits, helping to cover medical expenses if you are in an accident or someone is hurt on your boat, regardless of fault.
Peace of mind for fnancing
If you fnanced the purchase of your boat, most lenders require insurance coverage to protect their investment. Having boat insurance not only fulflls these requirements but also gives you peace of mind knowing that your fnancial interests are safeguarded.
Navigational fexibility
Some water municipalities and marinas may require proof of insurance for docking or accessing certain areas. Boat insurance allows you the fexibility to explore different destinations without worrying about entry restrictions.
Emergency towing and assistance
Progressive boat insurance can include optional Sign & Glide® On-Water Towing coverage. If your boat is disabled or breaks down on the water, Sign & Glide® pays for on-water towing, jump starts, soft un-groundings, and fuel delivery.
Wreckage removal
If your boat sinks, Progressive boat insurance will cover the cost of removing your boat from the water (if removal is legally required).
Investing in boat insurance is not just about protecting a valuable asset; it’s about safeguarding the memories, experiences, and joy that come with your on-water adventures. Don’t let unforeseen circumstances disrupt your journey—navigate with confdence, knowing that Progressive boat insurance has you covered. Ensure a smooth and worry-free voyage, because when it comes to your boat, peace of mind is the ultimate luxury.
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MAHALO, RODNEY...
By Ben Martin, Editor in Chief
On December 11th at 3:00 p.m. the marine industry lost one of its kindest and most heartfelt supporters. A lifelong supporter of environmental awareness, the love of nature and teaching kids how to !sh, Rodney Smith was the earliest proponent of Florida’s groundbreaking net ban. He was the founder and publisher of the original Coastal Angler Magazine, creator and tireless volunteer of its Hook Kids On Fishing Program. Capt. Rodney Smith spent the better part of his life trying to improve the marine environment and sharing the wonders of the art and sport of !shing.
Rodney’s love and kindness was boundless.
Lifeguard, !shing captain, surfer, author, entrepreneur, and friend to all, Rodney Smith’s time on this earth was well spent helping others and showing love to Mother Nature and the marine environment.
Anyone whoever walked with Rodney would have invariably returned with a bag or pocketful of trash that he picked up along the way and then a erwards meticulously separated for recycling. Anyone whoever disparaged anyone else in Rodney’s presence would have immediately heard something positive about that person from Rodney. at’s just who he was.
Loving father, caring husband and faith driven entrepreneur, Rodney’s life was truly exemplary and saintlike. He will be missed, but he will also surely receive the same pat on the back and heartfelt “Good Job” that he gave to so many others while here.
The Water
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Hightlights
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It’s a versatile, no-frills boat focused on rock-solid performance. Ideal for those needing a reliable, easy-to-maintain platform.
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DISCOVER BOATING MIAMI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW 2025
A BOATER’S PARADISE AWAITS
The Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show (DBMIBS) is set to return from February 12–16, 2025, bringing an extraordinary showcase of the marine industry. is annual event continues to draw boating enthusiasts, industry leaders, and newcomers alike, o ering a combination of innovation, and community.
Highlights of the 2025 Edition
Spread across six iconic Miami locations—Miami Beach Convention Center, Pride Park, Herald Plaza, Venetian Marina, Museum Park Marina, and Superyacht Miami at Yacht Haven Grande—DBMIBS provides a multifaceted experience.
e Miami Beach Convention Center and Pride Park will host the latest in marine technology, boating gear, and vessels up to 49’’. On the water, Herald Plaza and Venetian Marina will feature a lineup of vessels, from sleek center consoles to high-performance powerboats.
A Boating Community Experience
e Progressive Boat Show Experience promises an engaging lineup of seminars, boating classes, and the popular AquaZone, an interactive space where attendees can test products and gain hands-on skills. For those looking to elevate their visit, Windward VIP tickets grant access to exclusive lounges, curated dining options, and concierge service.
Digital ticketing ensures a seamless entry process, with water taxis making it easy to explore the show’s sprawling venues. Water taxi tickets are sold separately.
From anglers to luxury yacht a!cionados, the show caters to all corners of the marine world. With its rich blend of exhibits, educational opportunities, and waterfront allure, it remains a must-visit event on the global boating calendar.
For more details and ticket options, visit www.miamiboatshow.com.
Cold Water Winter Fishing for Trout in the Smoky Mountains
By Joe Woody
When winter descends upon the Smoky Mountains, the streams and rivers transform into a serene and picturesque setting. For avid anglers, this season o ers a unique and rewarding opportunity to !sh for trout. Cold water !shing in the Smokies during winter demands preparation, knowledge, and patience, but the solitude and satisfaction of hooking a trout in these crisp conditions make it all worthwhile.
Trout are cold-water !sh, and they remain active during the winter, albeit at a slower pace. eir metabolism decreases as water temperatures drop, making them less aggressive and more selective in their feeding habits. During this season, trout tend to conserve energy by holding in deeper pools or near submerged structures where currents are slow and food is more accessible.
e Smoky Mountains, known for their pristine streams and diverse aquatic habitats, provide excellent winter !shing opportunities. e recent storm damage has not changed that, although access and former topographical structuring may be somewhat altered the !sh have adapted and so will anglers. Rainbow, brown, and brook trout can all be found in the cold, clear waters of this region, with brook trout being particularly prevalent in the higher elevations.
Winter !shing requires careful planning to ensure success and safety. e Smoky Mountains can get bitterly cold in winter. Dressing in layers, including moisturewicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outerwear, is crucial. Gloves and a hat are always a must: Nymphs, midges, and small streamers are excellent choices for winter trout !shing. Patterns like the Zebra Midge, Pheasant Tail, and Woolly Bugger o en prove e ective. Since aquatic insect activity is minimal in winter, imitating small and slowmoving prey is key.
clear, low water conditions. Using light tippets (5x or 6x) and uorocarbon leaders can improve your presentation and increase your chances of a hookup.
Focus on deeper pools and areas with slow-moving water. Dead dri ing nymphs under an indicator or slowly
Winter trout can be extra wary due to the
Townsend, this stream is a favorite among anglers for its healthy populations of rainbow and brown trout.
• Deep Creek: Known for its easy access just outside Bryson City, this area o ers a true remote !shing experience with just a short walk up its trail.
• Abrams Creek: Featuring clear waters and ample trout habitat, Abrams Creek is a reliable option for winter anglers
Winter trout are o en more active during the warmer parts of the day. Plan your trip to coincide with midday or early a ernoon. Low, clear water makes trout more alert to movement and noise. Approach the stream cautiously and keep a low pro!le. As any angler in these parts will tell you, always be mindful of slippery rocks and cold water. Wearing wading boots with good traction and a wading belt is essential.
retrieving a streamer can entice a bite. Pay attention to subtle strikes, as trout in winter o en feed so ly.
e Smoky Mountains are home to numerous streams, many of which are accessible year-round. Some top spots for winter !shing include:
• Little River: With easy access near
Fishing for trout in the Smoky Mountains during winter is a serene and ful!lling experience. e combination of tranquil surroundings, reduced crowds, and the challenge of cold-water angling creates an unforgettable adventure. With the right preparation and approach, you can enjoy the magic of winter !shing and make memories that will last a lifetime.
CHARTER BOOKINGS:
CALL THE CAPTAIN!
By Capt Quinlyn Haddon
Ihave been prompted to cover the topic of booking a charter a!er a recent experience I had that could have easily been avoided.
I was asked to work a charter with a company that I had never shed with before. e charter was booked last minute through a booking agency, that I will not directly mention. e notes of the booking repeatedly and clearly requested a full day o shore trip for yellow n. I went to meet with the captain, and helped him rig up for a tuna trip for the following day.
Yellow n tuna are not prevalent in the Florida Keys, but black n tuna are, so we informed the clients of this as we headed o shore in the morning.
Nearing the end of the trip, with a box full of tuna, the clients asked when we were going to get into the yellow n snapper.
e clients had wanted to sh inshore for yellowtail snapper, but they accidentally paid more for an o shore trip, simply because they used a booking agency and didn’t understand that yellow n and yellowtail were di erent species.
If you are wanting to book a charter, please call captains directly! Charter captains do not want to take you out on the water for a boat ride, we want to customize your day so you get the most out of it. Hearing about your expectations and helping answer your questions is paramount in our planning of your trip.
We do not do this job for the money, and most of us are scraping by. We have respect for what a big expense it is to book a charter. We understand that some groups may have saved up a long time to have this experience only once in their lives, and it is extremely important that we give you the trip you are looking for. We might even tell you to rethink the timing of your trip so you can come when your bucketlist sh is most targetable, something a booking agency knows nothing about. ey might be designed to take your money, but that is not what we are about.
If you nd a charter company you like through a shing booking agency, I would recommend going around them and calling a charter captain directly. Chances are that they have raised their prices to stomach the 30% fee the agency takes from them, and you can save money. Alternatively, they have not done so, and a direct call will put the money into the pocket where it belongs.
Booking agencies help ll the calendars, and for a lot of shermen whose strong suits are on the water, booking charters and advertising can be challenging. Some of the best captains have zero online presence. ere are a few agencies who aren’t as greedy as the one from this particular experience, and who may actually have knowledgeable people assisting you with your booking. However, nothing is going to beat speaking with the captain who you are hiring and sharing your day with.
We aren’t scary pirates or too busy to put in that phone time with you, and we are happy to connect with you before you book your trip. Give us a call!
Capt. Quinlyn Haddon guides with Sweet E’Nuf Charters out of Marathon, Florida Keys - (504) 920-6342. www.captainquinlyn.com; IG: @captainquinlyn
WINTER FISHING: SIZE OVER COLOR FOR SUCCESS T
By Capt. Michael Okruhlik
he question of lure size is a common debate among anglers, and while di erent situations require di erent approaches, one thing is clear: sh don’t read shing articles or watch YouTube videos. ey eat when they want, and as anglers, it’s up to us to adapt. In my experience, adjusting lure size is more important than focusing on color—especially in winter shing for coastal species like trout, red sh, and %ounder.
Size vs. Color
When things aren’t going as planned, many anglers immediately reach for a di erent color. However, I nd size to be the more important factor. Fish are typically feeding on prey of a speci c size, not necessarily a speci c color. In my experience, changing the size of the lure is usually more e ective than changing its color. If size doesn’t produce a bite, I might try changing the style of the lure next.
Changes in Estuaries
As winter approaches, our estuaries undergo several changes: cooler water temperatures, shi!ing forage patterns, less boat tra c, and o!en clearer water. ese changes create two schools of thought about lure size: go bigger or go smaller. Some anglers upsize their lures for the entire season, while others prefer downsizing. Both strategies can work, and I will utilize both methods.
Cooling Water and Fish Behavior
Cold fronts trigger cooling water temperatures and unpredictable sh behavior. Unlike the more consistent feeding patterns of stable weather, sh during early winter can make sh moody, switching between aggressive feeding and total inactivity. Late fall and early winter can be some of the best shing of the year, especially when schools of bait are %ushed out by falling tides. Hungry speckled trout and red sh follow these schools, and I prefer using smaller lures in these active feeding conditions. Fish are typically feeding on smaller prey like shrimp or shad, so a similarly sized lure is o!en the best match.
During these times, I also favor non-natural colors. When bait is abundant, sh can more easily spot a contrasting color, helping them target your lure amid the feeding frenzy. is is di erent from spring shing, where matching the color and size of the bait is key. In the fall and winter, standing out with an eye-catching color can be more e ective.
Clearer Water and Smaller Lures
Another reason for downsizing in winter is clearer water. In some bays, water visibility improves signi cantly during the winter, reaching depths of 6-7 feet of clear water. Fish aren’t accustomed to this level of clarity and can be more cautious. In these conditions, a smaller, less intrusive lure will o!en get more bites. When I can clearly see my lure bouncing along the bottom, a small presentation tends to be more successful.
Conclusion
Winter shing requires %exibility. By focusing on size and action rather than color, and adjusting to factors like water clarity and post-frontal conditions, you’ll increase your chances of success. Fish may be moody, but with the right approach, you can adapt and still catch plenty of sh.
Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures® and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
COASTAL ANGLER
Cary & Lynn Crutchfield
Lynn Crutchfield
Co-Publisher
EDITING
Lynn Crutchfield
GRAPHIC
Kathleen Stemley
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Dr. Kevin McCarthy
Kuhn
Capt. Jason Clark
Capt. Katie Jo Davis
Capt. Tommy Derringer
Capt. Andrew Fagan
Capt. Dallas King
Capt. Pat McGriff
Photo by: Suwannee River Water Management District
BACON CORN CHOWDER WITH BACON
(TWO DINNER SIZE SERVINGS)
Thank you to The Crab Plant for the shrimp. Visit their Fresh Seafood Market or enjoy Cooked Seafood to go. You are welcome to sit at their table and view beautiful Kings Bay while you enjoy your delicious, freshly prepared meal, watching manatees, dolphins, pelicans and boats. Or, you can carry it home; your choice. Open Tues-Thurs 10:00-5:30, Fri-Sat 10:00-8:00. 201 NW 5th St. Crystal River 352-795-4700.
Lynn Crutchfield, Co-Publisher Coastal Angler Magazine of North Central Florida
COOKING DIRECTIONS
Heat a large pot over medium high heat. Add bacon to pan and cook until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Add onion and celery and sauté until tender. Add garlic, thyme and bay leaf. Cook for two minutes stirring constantly. Add corn and bay leaf. Cook for two minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add broth, bring to a boil and cook for five minutes.
Stir in shrimp and cook for 2 minutes or until shrimp are done.
INGREDIENTS
• 6 slices bacon chopped
• 1 cup diced onion
• ½ cup diced celery
• 1 large garlic clove minced
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups frozen creamed corn
• 2 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade)
• ¾ pound peeled and deveined medium shrimp
• ½ cup half and half
• Salt and pepper
• Parsley minced
Remove bay leaf Stir in half and half, and salt and pepper. Crumble half of bacon over and stir in. Crumble remainder of bacon and parsley over chowder. Serve with your favorite crackers or crusty bread. Comes together quickly and so good on a chilly January night!
Atsena Otie Key FLORIDA WATERWAYS
VisitorsBy Dr. Kevin M. McCarthy
in one of the many fine restaurants along the seashore in Cedar Key, who look across the channel, may wonder what the island is that lies only a mile or so off the mainland. They might be surprised to learn that the barrier island, called Atsena Otie Key, was once the site of the town of Cedar Key and that it has blunted the force of many hurricanes over the decades, maybe even centuries. The barrier island today is only a remnant of its former self, but does have a long dock (see photo) that allows boaters to tie up and explore the island on a walking trail.
Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages the island, which is part of the Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge. The history of human habitation on the island goes way back. When scientists found a skeleton there in 1999, they estimated that it was over 2,000 years old, meaning that Native Americans had lived there at least as early as that. The Native Americans, however, did not survive the influx of Europeans in the 16th century and succumbed to their diseases. Those who survived, were forced to move west in the 19th century to reservations where they struggled to survive.
In the 19th century, the island served as a trading post, and then as a staging post for soldiers in the Seminole Indian Wars, and then as a meeting site for Native Americans and military officers. Hurricanes and a desire to be near the newly constructed cross-Florida railroad, finished in the 1860s, induced residents on Atsena Otie Key to move to Way Key, where the town of Cedar Key is today. However, the 1884 map reproduced here, shows Atsena Otie Key in the lower lefthand part, just across from the growing town of Cedar Key. The map also shows the railroad from Fernandina Beach, that snakes around the islands and makes its way to the dock, where boats would take
passengers and cargo elsewhere. Today, visitors to the offshore barrier island may find remnants of the pencilmaking factory that was once there, as well as the abandoned cemetery of former residents, but not much else remains. Residents on the mainland have moved on from pencil-making, and in fact, are engaged in a very profitable aquaculture industry of clamming in the rich waters off the coast.
The hurricanes that have hit Cedar Key, for example Helene in 2024, might have caused more harm if the barrier island Atsena Otie Key had not been there. Only intrepid swimmers or those with a boat can visit the barrier island, but doing so, especially the abandoned cemetery there, is a step back in time.
Kevin McCarthy, author of “Cedar Key, Florida: A History” (amazon, 2007), can be reached at ceyhankevin@ gmail.com.
Cell: (352) 870 0819
Web site: kevinmccarthy.us
An 1884 map of the area
A relevant book by the author
A map of Atsena Otie Key
The cemetery on Atsena Otie
The long boat dock to the island
Atsena Otie from the air
KATIE JO’S NATURE COAST ADVENTURES
Wintertime fishing is upon us and January is always a month I am looking forward to as our sheepshead school up on nearby rocks and wrecks for the annual spawn. A typical bait used on Florida’s Nature Coast to catch these tasty fish is a shrimp on a 3/0 circle hook on a knocker rig or using a drop rig with two circle hooks tied to the leader. In these same areas, you can expect to catch mangrove snapper, grunts and hogfish as well as grouper.
On the inshore side, the seatrout are still holding strong around deeper channels and rocks as well as in the mouth of the creeks. The red and black drum are found along rocky oyster areas as they seek warmth from the sun as it heats up the rocks on the shallow tides this time of the year. Often these fish are a bit lethargic and spook easily so a soft landing of a shrimp hitting the water works best so a 3/0 circle hook with a size “0” at the eye of the hook allows for further casting but does
not create such a “plunk” when it hits the water. Mullet flashing near the rocks are something I always look for when targeting drums in our area.
Winter time fishing can be a bit challenging so I choose to fish a little more aggressively. Meaning I give a spot about 15 minutes and if I don’t get a bite I’ll move often returning to that same spot a couple hours later perhaps once the air gets warmer or the water level gets higher. One thing I do like about winter time fishing is finding new rock areas to fish. The low tides during the winter allow me to find rocky areas that I wouldn’t normally see on a summertime low tide. These are the times I often correlate hunting with fishing in which makes the fishing that much more fun!
Captain Katie Jo Davis
CRYSTAL RIVER
Bitter sweet January is here! Some of the best and worst fishing of the year. A day or two of freezing post front conditions can leave you stuck staring at fish throwing everything you own at them without a bite. Then the next day, BOOM they’re eating everything and you’re running out of bait before you know it. I’ll be running mud boat trips deep into the back country to find the fish that push East to find warmer waters. Super low blow out tides and high skies create some of the best sightfishing we have to offer throughout the year. With shallow, clear water and cold bodied fish here are a few tips and tricks that help me keep the rod bent this time of year.
Drop your leader material and hook size down. Most of the year I use 30 pound leader but January and February I’ll go down to 20, or even 15 depending on how spooky the fish are that day. I also try to use 2/0 hooked sized jig heads in 1/16 or 1/8 oz. Or a bare 3/0 hook. Shrimp are my go to baits and then soft plastics. Fish these baits as slow as possible and be careful not to spook the fish when the bait lands. Especially if the fish are sunning in
the shallows. Presentation is key!
Sheepshead fishing is also prime in January! Find your favorite rock pile offshore and bring plenty of shrimp. Be ready for the bait thief’s to peck and slowly load up the rod, then set the hook! Remember it is their breeding season. I do a “guides limit” of sheepshead and only keep 5 per person instead of 8. It’s allows a few more fish to breed and make more for us to enjoy tomorrow.
God bless and tight lines!
Cracking The COLD WEATHER CODE FOR REDS & TROUT
Ilove winter fishing. I don’t know if it’s the solitude, the challenge of the elements, or maybe I am just a glutton for punishment. While you may be faced with the occasional skunking this time of year, often, when you crack the code in cold weather, redfish and trout are schooled up and can be downright aggressive.
There are a few things I do differently in the winter that help me trigger bites and find fish. I am guilty of slow fishing or finesse fishing most of the year, but in winter if I think I am going too slow, I go slower. I want the bait to stay in the strike zone as long as possible. I use a combination of slow hops, drags and simple lift-and-drop presentations with my plastic bottom-hugging baits. There are times when I will lighten up my plastics to nearly weightless and go to one of my favorite retrieves, which is a couple sharp twitches and a pause. There are times when I will pause as long as 5 to 10 seconds. One of my favorite baits for this technique is the D.O.A. ¼-ounce shrimp. Allow time for the bait to sink all the way to the bottom. This may take up to 20 seconds in deeper water. All baits sink at different rates depending on current, salinity, profile and weight, so take time to dial in the countdown process, and remember that process!
While I will throw soft plastics most of the time, I still love plugging in the winter. Over the years I have refined my baits to sinking twitch baits like MirrOlures, suspending baits such as the Bomber Long A and a Rapala Countdown in a 9 or 11 size.
By Capt. Tim Cutting
varies much on the Bomber, two twitches and a pause, I work the MirrOlures and Rapalas a tad differently. Both the MirrOlures (TT and 52) and Rapalas are countdown lures. After counting down the MirrOlure, I usually impart a slow pull followed by one simple twitch. I will vary the length of the pull at times and the sharpness of the twitch. I have found that slower is better. The Countdown Rapalas are a tad trickier, but I tend to get bigger fish on this bait. I usually mix it up with a slow swim, twitch, pause, swim, twitch repeat. Depth is relative in different areas, but I have found trout and redfish in waters down to 30 feet. I generally fish in water 6 to 18 feet deep in the winter. I look for isolated deep water such as smaller creeks, canals, industrial docks and deeper bends with debris. I am looking for areas that stay slightly warmer due to protection from the wind or exposure to the sun. Many man-made structures of rip rap, concrete, metal, wood and PVC will often hold heat.
Along with remembering exactly what it was that triggered the bite, location and depth will be critical. More than likely, once you get bit you are going to find a lot more in the same exact spot. For a lot of anglers willing to brave the elements, slow down and cover water, the winter months will be very rewarding.
Capt. Tim Cutting is of Coastal Georgia Inshore Charters. Visit his website at fishthegeorgiacoast.com or call (912) 230-1814.
INGLIS/YANKEETOWN
inter is in full swing! The inshore bite remains hot with probably then best trout numbers inshore our small part of coast has seen in 10 years or better. The reds have finally made their final push to their winter time hideouts and have been grouped up very thick and hungry. This time of year inshore if all you want is dinner all hij need is a few shrimp some jigheads and leader line and you can make it
Offshore and nearshore the sheepshead bite has finally kicked off and the fish have made their offshore migration to spawn. If the weather cooperates it is a great time to head offshore to your bigger rockpiles and wrecks in search of sheepshead and mangrove snapper.
Ebb Tide Guide Service
Capt. Andrew Fagan 3528188927
Instagram : @capt_redfishdrew
CEDAR KEY
Heyanglers, what a crazy ride this winter has been so far. These up and down temps haven't been kind to finding a consistent pattern.That doesn't mean there arent fish to be found though.
The grass flats have been plentiful with trout. Especially when the water peaks around 65 degrees. Now when it gets cooler than about 57, that's when it gets tough. When temps start dropping it's time to hit those deeper spots on the flats and back in the creeks and nothing works as good as a little live shrimp dragged across the bottom.
As for as reddish go, they aren't much more than a stones throw from some of our favorite oyster
beds in the back country or around some of the outlining islands. I've been using shrimp on the bottom or paired with a popping cork, to help get their attention. Well anglers, I hope this helps. Until next month, stay safe out there.
Capt. Jason Clark In The Slot Fishing Charters 352-639-3209 www.intheslotfishing.com
KEATON BEACH
Many folks are getting their limits of trout and reds fishing in 2 to 3 feet of water just outside of bars and creek mouths. Suspending baits such as MirrOdines and Catch 2000's are producing overslot trout when conditions are on the cooler side. Assassin's 5 inch Shads are also taking reds and trout, both inside and outside the creek mouths. Water temps are holding around 55 - 59 degrees as of late with cold
Brent Woodard of Reel Native Charters with a Great winter trout.
SURF & PIER
Wow,
last month was on fire because the water temperature dropped so fast. As of mid December it was down to 63 degrees. Brrrr! That rapid drop started a feeding frenzy, which included Pompano, Whiting, Black Drum and over sized Redfish! My biggest Redfish last month was 32”. My previous December best was 40”. Now the bad news about cold water. If it drops below 60 it will be time to regroup. You have at least three choices. First stay home and tie rigs. Secondly, get caught up on chores, such as rake leaves. Last and my favorite, road trip!
When planning a successful road trip, there are four apps that I use to land me in the strike zone. First, Google Sea Surface Temperature. My favorite is the color graph from Rutgers University. Search for an area between 65 and 75 degrees. Depending on how severe our winter is you will find the sweet spot somewhere between New Smyrna and Vero!
Next is a wind app. My favorite is Windy. Their current and future cast has been invaluable when it comes to success. A southeast breeze between 5 and 10 MPH is ideal. However, anything less than
15 MPH is doable.
Salt water tides three, ST3 is very accurate for tides, moon and sunrise information. Luckily the farther south you go the smaller the tides are. Here in Duuuval our tides will be FIVE feet. Where in Vero or Sebastian they will only be TWO feet. Wherever you land, know your tides.
I also use the News 4 Jax weather app when choosing what city I am considering. Surfline is also helpful for wave height and frequency.
The photo is one of my favorite road trips in January. We fished just north and south of Sebastian inlet. The air temp was 80 and the water temp was 70. We caught so many fish! While the water temp here in Jax maybe too cold, a two to three hour road trip may be money! Get out and enjoy the bounty that our Florida winters can provide. Tight lines and screaming drags!
Noel Kuhn
43 years of surf fishing experience, surf fishing guide and long distance casting coach. Founding member of Florida Surf Casters club. 904-945-0660 www.TheSurfAngler.com
ST. AUGUSTINE
Withwater temperatures becoming chilly look for the inshore fishing to heat up. For me, the next few months are the most exciting time of year to target reds on the flats and creeks. As of report time we’ve had a dry winter and little rain and cold air temps are fantastic if you like to sight-fish… as much as I don’t like freezing my butt off, those cold temps will kill the algae in the water, resulting in gin-clear, sight-fishable awesomeness. It will be time to go to your favorite flat, put on your polarized Bajio sunglasses and start looking for fish. This time of year, you'll get to sleep in and wait for the sun to get a little higher in the sky to warm up the water. Clearer water can mean spookier fish, so downsize your baits/lures for a stealthier approach. I like to pair a Saltwater Assassin paddle tail with a light weedless hook for those spooky redfish. On extreme low tides the redfish, trout and flounder will get schooled up in area creek holes. A live shrimp or mud minnow tossed into the depths will work wonders as it cools down. When up on the flats, look for darker mud and oyster-laden bottom to be holding redfish, trout, and flounder. These areas will warm up faster than others on sunny days; a few degrees can really make a difference. Another benefit of dropping water temps is the redfish will start schooling on the flats. If you know where to look you can find huge schools of tightly packed redfish this time of year. Locate these fish from a distance by looking for “muds” (discolored muddy water caused by
moving fish) and/or pushing wakes made by moving fish. Redfish singles and doubles can also be found sunning themselves in the shallows, especially along side and on top of oyster bars this time of year. These fish will be lazy so make sure to present your bait in a slow and methodical manner. When I spot a stationary fish, I like to cast long of him and at least a few feet to either the left or right of the fish depending on which way he's facing. Then work the bait slowly back to where the fish is (this will help to not spook the fish). Sometimes they will like it moving a little faster and sometimes a little slower. It’s always fun trying to find the right approach.
Trout fishing has been great this past month and will continue to go strong. We’ve been catching some nice trout this fall/winter on topwater plugs but as it cools off one of my favorite trout lures is a soft plastic Saltwater Assassin paddle tail (Elite Shiner) rigged on a 1/4oz jighead. The jig, jig, pause method works best for me. Target creek mouths, ICW banks, and any type of structure with moving water and you’ll be sure to find some trout hanging out.
Sheepshead fishing has been good and should continue this month. Target area bridges, docks, and pilings with fiddler crabs to catch the tasty porgies.
Be sure to check out my Daily Fishing Reports online
@www.InshoreAdventures.net.
Capt. Tommy Derringer
www.InshoreAdventures.net
904-377-3734
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GULF FISHING! Wintertime
If you’re looking for an unforgettable start to a 2025 adventure, Islamorada is the place to be. Known as the “Sport!shing Capital of the World,” this gem in the Florida Keys o ers easy access to the Gulf of Mexico, where the waters are packed with some of the most exciting !sh around: cobia and permit.
Cobia are a favorite for good reason. ese !sh are curious, strong, and put up one heck of a !ght. You’ll o en !nd them hanging out near wrecks, buoys, or even %oating debris, and when they bite, you’ll know it. ey can grow up to 60 pounds, so get ready for a battle when one hits your line. ey also make excellent table fare! We are coming up to the best months to target cobia, so de!nitely keep this species in mind when booking a charter.
Permit !shing is next-level stu . ese sleek, silver beauties are as smart as they are strong, making them a bucket-list catch for many anglers. ey love to hang around wrecks and %ats, and they’re picky eaters. ey love crustaceans, but o en get spooked so your casts must be close to perfect. e real thrill of !shing for permit is in the chase. Spotting a permit tailing in the gulf waters, casting just right, and then feeling that line go tight is pure adrenaline. ey’ll test your patience and your skill, but the payo is worth it.
For the ultimate Gulf !shing experience in Islamorada, check out Bean Sport!shing. Capt. Bean specializes in targeting cobia and permit, ensuring a day on the water you’ll never forget. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a !rst-time angler, his expertise and passion for !shing will make your trip both exciting and successful.
To book a charter, visit www.beansport shing.com. You can also nd Capt. Bean on Instagram @bean_sport shing.
THE NEW YEAR BRINGS NEW OPPORTUNITY
Tim Barefoot
As winter deepens, cooler waters push more !sh o the beaches and toward the warmer edges of the Gulf Stream. With grouper and snapper now o -limits due to regulations, it’s time to shi our focus to productive species still on the table—trigger!sh, vermilion snapper (beeliners), and seabass. For those looking to venture even deeper, deepdropping remains an exciting option.
e December full moon o en marks a turning point in !shing. Grouper and speckled trout seasons wind down, leaving anglers to adapt to what the regulatory environment allows. Fortunately, the stacks of triggers, beeliners, and pelagics in deeper waters o er excellent opportunities. Start your search around the 150-foot mark and use your !sh!nder to locate promising spots.
Tools of the Trade
For precision !shing, modern tools like spot-lock trolling motors—such as the Rhodan or Minn Kota—are game changers. ese motors allow you to hover directly over schools of !sh with ease. However, they can be limited when deploying a kite, as the wind necessary for kite !shing can drain trolling motor batteries quickly. at’s
where anchoring, a classic yet e ective technique, comes into play.
Yes, anchoring may feel like a step back for those spoiled by spot-lock motors, but it’s a reliable method for staying on productive marks without straining batteries. Once anchored, consider adding a kite to your !shing arsenal. Kites are particularly e ective for enticing leader-shy species like yellow!n tuna and wahoo. When properly deployed, they minimize visible leader material in the water, o en resulting in immediate strikes.
Teamwork and Preparation
provide hardy, versatile bait. Supplement your live bait with cast-netted !sh to use as live chum or cut into chunks.
A sabiki rig is another indispensable tool. Jigging up live bait at your !shing spot o en produces exactly what predatory species are feeding on. Don’t hesitate to use small snapper, grunts, or other bait!sh you catch with a sabiki as o erings on your light line or kite. Wahoo, for example, have been known to eat everything from full-sized grunts to snapper. Frozen or fresh Spanish mackerel also make excellent bait for wahoo and tuna.
Successful kite !shing requires teamwork. Assign one crew member to manage the kite and bait while others focus on !lling the cooler with trigger!sh and snapper. Proper setup is essential. Bring live bait from inshore or nearshore waters; cigar minnows, sardines, pin!sh, and menhaden are excellent choices. A pin!sh trap can also
The
Experience Fishing during this time of year is about more than just !lling your cooler; it’s about enjoying the process and making memories. Whether you’re targeting bottom-dwellers like trigger!sh or keeping a light line out for the chance at a wahoo or tuna, the key is to stay adaptable and prepared. As always, take the kids along and capture plenty of videos of your adventures. Fishing is more than just a hobby— it’s a way of life.
For more from Tim Barefoot, visit barefootcatsandtackle.com and check out his YouTube channel.
Junior Angler Breaks World Record with Massive Payara
At just six years old, Nathan “Bibil” Barreto is already making waves in the angling world! On July 8, 2024, while !shing Brazil’s iconic Juruena River, Nathan landed an incredible 11.79-kg (26-lb) payara. is catch shattered the IGFA Men’s Smallfry World Record for the species.
Nathan hooked the record-setting payara using cut bait, showcasing his growing skills as an angler. A er verifying the weight on a certi!ed scale, he ensured the safe release of this magni!cent !sh. Nathan’s actions not only highlighted his talent but also demonstrated that conservation is a value no angler is too young to embrace.
What Are Smallfry World Records?
e International Game Fish Association (IGFA) has established guidelines for Smallfry World Records to encourage young anglers. Here’s what you need to know:
• Species: Records are maintained for the heaviest !sh of any eligible species.
• Age: Categories exist for male and female anglers aged 10 years and under.
• Weight: Fish do not need to be weighed on land, as long as the weight is veri!ed appropriately.
• L ine Class: Records are recognized for all line and tippet classes covered under IGFA rules.
• Other Rules: All IGFA International Angling Rules apply, except for the standard weighing requirement.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Encouraging young anglers to aim for world record catches—or simply to submit outstanding catches for consideration—o ers a fantastic opportunity to foster a love of !shing. e IGFA’s Smallfry division plays a vital role in promoting the sport among young enthusiasts.
Taking a kid !shing doesn’t just teach them valuable skills—it can improve their lives and create unforgettable memories. Who knows? You might even help them reel in a world record!
For more information on the IGFA Smallfry records division, visit www.IGFA.com.
Braid vs. Monofilament Fishing Line: Which Is Best?
Choosing the right !shing line is crucial for success on the water. Two popular options— braided and mono!lament lines—o er distinct advantages, and your choice o en depends on your !shing style, target species, and conditions. Let’s compare their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide.
Braided line stands out for its high strength-todiameter ratio. Its thin pro!le allows for less drag and greater line capacity on reels, making it ideal for deep-water !shing. For instance, a 30-pound braid can match the diameter of an 8-pound mono!lament. Mono!lament, while thicker, provides added durability and is o en preferred in situations requiring extra shock absorption, such as battling !sh with sudden, strong runs.
Braid has minimal stretch, giving it superior sensitivity. is makes it perfect for techniques like jigging or bottom !shing, where detecting subtle bites is crucial. It also enhances hook-setting power. On the other hand, mono!lament’s stretch acts as a cushion during hard strikes, reducing the risk of breakage.
Mono!lament generally o ers better abrasion resistance, making it a top choice in areas with rocks or heavy cover. However, it is prone to UV damage over time, which can weaken the line.
Braid is more resistant to UV exposure but can fray easily when rubbed against rough surfaces.
Braided line’s thin diameter and lack of stretch give it an edge for long-distance casting, especially in open water. However, mono!lament’s low visibility underwater makes it advantageous for targeting skittish !sh in clear water. To counter braid’s visibility, many anglers use a uorocarbon leader.
e choice between braid and mono depends on your needs. Braid excels in strength, sensitivity, and casting, while mono shines in shock absorption, abrasion resistance, and stealth. Many anglers carry both to adapt to various scenarios or use a braid mainline with a mono or uorocarbon leader for versatility.
Ultimately, knowing when to use each type can make all the di erence in your !shing success.
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