While we are still experiencing some fronts, the weather has been extremely mild this January so far. With a slight warming trend early this month, we have been catching some really good fish. The winter species continue to bite, and the Snook have become more active. As the month progresses, we are likely to start seeing some big Tarpon showing up. Of course, this will depend on how warm it gets and how long it holds up. It is nice to have so many options right now.

Sheepshead, Black Drum, and Snapper all continue to cooperate in the deeper rock holes and around the bars. Live shrimp or cut-up shrimp will find plenty of action. Hard bottom is key, and rocks are best. Of course, you can also catch plenty of Black Drum in the Islands as well. Fishing a shrimp along oyster-laden shorelines and around the bars will get action. You will probably catch plenty of Redfish doing this same thing. Of course, for those who like to throw jigs and are good at it, this also will produce plenty while allowing you to cover more shoreline.

Seatrout are picking up even more as the month goes on, and by February, we will be catching the biggest Trout of the year. These guys are scattered and you can look on all the customary flats as they will be there. But we also start catching bigger Trout close to the shorelines and on some of the back bars. It’s a great way to get the family involved and end up with a nice fish fry. Popping corks make it easy, and you can either put a live shrimp under it or you can use the DOA Shrimp. They both catch plenty. The only advantage to the live shrimp is that you might pick up some pompano, also.

If you are going to target Snook, then the back country is where you need to fish. The headwaters of the rivers, back bays, rivers, and creeks all hold fish. One thing is for sure, you never run out of places to fish. Depending on the size of your boat will determine where you go. Know your limits and be careful when you jump on plane, not to cut trenches in grasses or cut up an oyster bar. Not to mention, if you jump up above some cap rock, you will destroy your lower unit. Take your time and have fun searching these waters, and you are sure to get some action. Fishing shorelines is so easy these days. These new trolling motors and batteries have changed the game. Sure has made my life easier! Keep on casting, and something good is bound to happen.

Tides here mean everything. The difference between a great day of action and just average can be just a few days. The weeks around the full moon and the new moon provide us with the best current. The other 2 weeks are lesser tides and therefore slower current. Knowing where to fish on which tide takes time to learn. You may be fishing a spot on an outgoing tide and catching nothing, only to find that if you fish that same spot on an incoming tide, it would be great. Incoming tide, as a general rul,e is good on the outside and on the flats, while the outgoing tide is usually better in the rivers and backcountry. Of course, there are exceptions, and the more you fish an area, the more you learn the fish’s habits in that area. Nothing replaces time on the water! So get out and put in your time and enjoy what you discover!

Keep on fishing!

Capt. Mike Merritt