Fishing: Winter Forecast

WINTER FISHING FORECAST

BY STEVE DOUGHERTY

Compared to many regions of the country where ice, snow and freezing temperatures are the norm during the winter, South Florida’s climate doesn’t offer much contrast. When locals talk about the changing of seasons it is usually focused on hurricanes, sea turtles, love bugs and license plates. Sure, we will experience a few brisk mornings with bone-chilling breezes, but it won’t be that bad. We don’t have to shovel snow, we don’t have to winterize boats and we’re fortunate to be able to fish year-round.

Fishing for many different species is great during the coming months, but impending cold fronts determine what you should target as well as when and where you are most likely to encounter them. Ahead of approaching cold fronts the wind typically blows from southern quadrants before veering to the southwest. As a cold front settles across the peninsula the wind continues to shift clockwise to northerly quadrants and eventually east. This cycle will repeat itself every week or so and although somewhat predictable, there are no hard and fast rules regarding frontal boundaries. One week it might be blowing 20 out of the northeast and we’re catching traditional winter targets like sailfish and cobia, while the following weeks bring warmer southeast winds enticing the usual summer suspects such as mahi-mahi and king mackerel.

During the winter sailfish are the most prized and attainable pelagic fish and the overall abundance of sailfish off the southeast coast of the state is attributed to the narrow continental shelf and the proximity of the Gulf Stream. Just outside of Palm Beach Inlet we’re fortunate to have the northern extension of the Florida Reef Tract so close to shore. From Miami to Martin County, this discontinuous reef line that parallels the beach creates natural throughfares for migrating game fish. Along this 100-mile stretch of coastline it is said the Gulf Stream meanders closer

than anywhere else on the entire Eastern Seaboard, which combines to create perfect conditions for us to intercept prized sport fish without a lengthy run offshore.

When stiff north or northeast winds prevail, captains and crews aboard vessels equipped with towers use their heightened vantage points to spot southbound sails using the wave action at the surface to stem the north-flowing Gulf Stream current. Sailfish are quite predictable and if you find the right conditions it shouldn’t be long before you see action in the spread. The best fishing takes place when you locate strong north current and/or a well-defined color change in 100- to 300-feet of water. Live goggle eye, threadfin herring, Spanish sardines and ballyhoo presented on 20 lb. class tackle, 40 lb. fluorocarbon leaders and 6/0 circle hooks prove to be the favored baits. Wahoo are a welcomed surprise when kite fishing but require a wire leader to prevent cut-offs.

Cobia catches will also become more common toward the tail end of the winter season. Whether sight fishing cobia in the slipstream of sharks, turtles and rays, or dropping baits over wrecks and reefs with high relief, preparation is key. In either scenario, live baits including sardine and pinfish are excellent offerings. For what it’s worth, cobia are some of the strongest fish in the ocean. That, along with sharp spikes along their backs and violent trashing once gaffed, makes them one of the most dangerous fish that you could ever want to put in your boat. But the risk is well worth the table fare.

In South Florida, moonlit winter nights trigger a predictable shrimp run. From Miami to Palm Beach, the action typically kicks off a few days before or after the full moon due to the stronger outgoing tides that flush the crustaceans from their inshore habitats and out area inlets. A large live shrimp rigged on a 7/0 circle hook matches the natural forage. Late afternoons and early evenings with light winds offer the best chance for success. Whether you prefer a spinning or conventional reel, it must have capacity for a minimum of 300 yards of 20 lb. monofilament. If the tide begins to approach slack when drifting the mouth of an inlet, now is the time to target area bridges and shadow lines. For this approach you’ll want to anchor up current of the selected bridge abutment and drift or cast a live shrimp into the shadow line.

Among the many popular targets roaming the beach, pompano are likely the most coveted. Ideal conditions occur when the winds subside between fronts. This allows the suspended silt to fall to the bottom. Once a semblance of white/green or blue/ white water color is achieved, then it’s time to go pompano fishing. When the surf is crystal clear, the beach bite is over, and pompano run for the reefs to hide from predators. When the time is right, Pompano tend to stage near rip currents as the flow of water is disrupted in a way that allows these nimble fish to more easily seek out stirred up forage. Fresh bait is crucial in this fishery, with sand fleas, clams and live shrimp among the best offerings. Unfortunately, pompano are fickle fish, crashing baits on your local beach one day, but 30 miles north or south the next.