Everglades City
by Captain Mike Merritt
December fishing so far this month has been awesome! We started the month with warm temps and calm winds. This allowed us to catch some nice Tarpon and to also target some nearshore Permit. We were able to sight cast to both species which was even better. Since then we had a minor cold front come through and winds picked up. This changed things, but the fishing remains strong.
Snook fishing in the backcountry has picked up and we have landed some really nice fish this past week up to 35″.
They shut down for a couple days but then came back with a vengeance!
A couple days after the front gives these fish time to adjust and they are hungry! Redfish are still being caught amongst the Islands. There are plenty of small fish but you can find legal-size fish mixed in or at least in the same area. Live shrimp will be your best bet for these fish. But the live bait will produce too. There is still plenty of Pilchards schooling in the Islands. This is what these fish are honed in on. Smaller live baits for the Reds is what I suggest. Seatrout are on the flats. Getting a day with light winds can be the hardest part.
The fish are biting on that incoming tide and taking a variety of baits.
Fishing corks or getting it to the bottom? This can change and it pays to change up if what you are doing is not producing a bite. I know our winter species should be showing up in better numbers as the month progresses and these guys all love Shrimp! So for lots of bites and great fun, this is a sure way to get some action. Whether you’re fishing deep holes or mangrove shorelines or even the flats a live Shrimp is hard to beat this time of year. get in on the action and enjoy the bite! Good luck fishing! Capt. Mike Merritt
