Last blog was about hardware (jigs, corks, bobbers, etc.) This week’s blog is about certain species of fish that are more likely to cooperate over the winter months.
Sheepshead average about three pounds but can get over ten, are terrific fighters and commonly found on hard bottom or hanging around bridge pilings and structure with crustaceans. Their bite is very hard to detect and they are a difficult fish to hook if you don’t know what you are doing. That’s where I come in to show you the best bait and techniques to catch Sheepshead. They are a hearty, tasty fish that yield delicious white meat fillets which fit into many seafood recipes.
Sharks are also very active during the winter. Two in particular are Blacktips and Bonnetheads. Both fish are game—a 15-pound blacktip is roughly equal in acrobatic strength to a snook, and a 3-foot bonnethead fights exactly like a redfish. Either fish is absolutely great on the table if you know what to do with them once they’re in the boat. I will share my favorite shark recipes in a future blog.
The third species I like are Trout – spotted, speckled, sugar, and silvers are often found in deep holes and range markers. Spotted seatrout are fun to catch and are excellent on the table. The flesh is mild, white, and flaky and is wonderful fried, grilled, broiled, baked, or blackened.
Here are some other tips that may be helpful as well.
- Creeks with muddy, dark bottoms tend to absorb and keep heat, drawing snook, which has a low tolerance for cold, as well as redfish. Creek shorelines are usually 3 to 5 degrees warmer than other water, warm enough to draw fish.
- Also look for concrete docks and seawalls. The sun will heat the concrete, which will transmit heat to the waters by it. Marinas are also good options, as they have ample seawalls and docks to draw fish.
Call Captain Oli at 813-245-4738 to book a charter!
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