The Snook and Redfish bite is producing good numbers of large fish recently. We are finally in a true winter fishing pattern here in southern Florida and the Snook and Redfish have moved into their winter homes far up local rivers. Sun Coast Kayak Sport Fishing clients are finding the fish along deep bends and fallen timber as well as bridges. The fishing has been slow in the mornings but as the day warms and the baitfish rise to the surface. Small baits with slow presentations are key right now as the fish, Snook especially are pretty lethargic and looking for an easy meal. With water and air temperatures so low they aren't going to chase down a bait. Small minow imitations are working the best by far.
The small Tarpon bite for 10# to 40# baby 'Poons is still producing fish but has slowed a bit with the onset of much cooler temperatures than we were experiencing. The fish are congregating in deep holes with good tidal flow or current. Fishing with cut bait soaked on the bottom has been the biggest producer but patience is the key to success. Sight fishing opportunities are still available though in the afternoons on a strong outgoing tide when the fish rise to the surface to gorge themselves on small baits being flushed from the backcountry on the tide. Small Pins Minnows and Rapala X-Raps are the way to go. LEad the fish and work the bait slowly setting the hook at the slightest bump.
Night fishing has been by far the best way to go if you are looking for big numbers of fish and don't mind sacrificing a little of the size. Snook and Redfish are stacked into the side canals of the ICW. Targeting the many dock lights and bridges that lines these areas is a surfire way to have the best catch and release fishing for Snook right now. Average charters with Sun Coast Kayak Sport Fishing are seeing 20+ Snook a night with great numbers of Redfish well within the slot. A large shrimp on light spin gear or a small clouser on a 9 weight fly rod are a sure bet for hook ups.
The Crappie bite is improving in area impoundments and the size and frequency of the fish is getting better. The Crappie are staging up in 10 to 15' of water as they wait to spawn. The fishing will continue to improve until the spawn in late January and February.
The Everglades is absolutely on fire right now. Average catches per angler have been 100 fish or more including big Oscars, Mayan Cichlids and more Largemouth Bass than I have seen in a long time. On one recent trip I watched a client pull 31 Bass from a single fallen tree in a very short period of time.
