Snowbirds may be streaming down the stretch, but winter weather hasn't yet made any drastic changes on the water. I'm still waiting for the truly cold days to move through and shake things up. In the mean time, the big moon tides have made for consistent bonefish sightings on the flats. Expect to see permit make an appearance during the higher tide stages. To find the snook and reds, dredge the deeper channels on incoming current with a shrimp-tipped jig.
But there's a lot of water out there and sometimes you don't find what you set out for. Especially as the weather transitions from fall to winter. When that happens, look for predatory activity and "match the hatch." If I'm poling down a shoreline and see schools of baitfish like mullet or glass minnows flying through the air trying to escape their fate, I focus on what's fleeing instead of what I want to catch. Tie on something that mimics the prey's behavior and see what bites. Just be ready to change your plan. A large spoon isn't the ideal lure of choice when small fry or pilchards may be eluding a hidden snook. Use something that's closer in size to the fish in flight. Bucktail jigs enhance the hunt because you can match the bait in color and size. They jig well in a variety of depths, too. Add live bait to seal the deal. In muddy water or in early morning light, bounce a topwater plug across the surface. The noise and commotion might attract a strike. Fly fishermen watching glass minnows could tie a clouser on the line. I like how muddler-type flies have some bulk to move the water, but also "breathe in" the water when being retrieved. Keep a handful of these flies around, with various weights, to be ready for any depth water.
As the seasons shift, the conditions for a cut-and-dried day of fishing will be hard to come by. If you get to your fishing area and don't see much activity, give yourself some time to work the zone before you move to another. Put in a little extra time in some places where you think the fish will have a reason to show up, and you may be pleasantly surprised.
On a conservation note, on December 10th, 2009 in Clewiston, FL the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is having their meeting to discuss proposed regulation changes regarding permit and bonefish. Please plan to attend to have your voice heard on possible new regulations that will impact these fisheries for many future generations of anglers.
For more information please visit:
http://myfwc.comdocsCommissionMeetings2009/2009_Dec_PermitFishery_presentation.pdf
Or to see Bonefish & Tarpon Trust's press release on the subject go to:
http://www.tarbone.org/news-a-events/142-permit-and-bonefish-alert.html
