It is hard to believe another year has passed, but here we are approaching 2026. Things are much the same here in the Islands with our fisheries. No real changes, and no real improvement. We are still catching fish and the Islands are still beautiful but we have definitely had a slow decline in our fishery for the last 50 years. The main factor I see is the lack of grasses. We have no Turtle grass where there used to be thousands of acres of it. We have no Spartina grass where it used to be on so many shorelines. And our oyster population is only a fraction of what it used to be.

For those of you that have not seen the changes it might seem things are good and fishing is great, but this is nothing like it used to be. I have tried to understand what has caused these changes but I think it must be multiple factors. I think we need to have some serious discussions on what is going on before it is too late. Not real sure where this starts. Everglades restoration has been a major project that has taken on many forms, but I see nothing going on down here on the south end of the Everglades except decline. I am hopeful we can get some attention and some traction in places where it might make a difference. Our ecosystem has been altered so much I am not sure we can ever recover.

All this being said, I also report that the fishing has definitely been steady with all the winter species being caught. Right now we are catching some really nice Seatrout. These are being caught on the flats and up around the Islands. Popping corks with a DOA Shrimp or a live shrimp always works. A slow fished jig will also work.

Redfish are here but you will catch lots of undersized fish this time of year. There are some decent slot fish around too, but not very many big fish. This is the norm for the colder months. These fish will be found on the outside Islands and in the backcountry.

Black Drum are also abundant as they move into the area during the colder water months. Some of the schools will be quits large and can offer a good thrill especially for the novice!

Sheepshead were biting really well inshore right after our first cold front then kind of tapered off. We are still catching them and shrimp is the way to go. You will also catch some nice Mangrove Snapper mixed in when fishing for Sheepshead. It’s a great way to get a fish dinner.

Snook fishing right now is strictly in the back country. Unless of course you go out and fish the wrecks that hold them year round now. Plug casting shorelines in the back country can bring some great action. It is a really rewarding experience getting hooked up with a giant Snook this way. The anticipation is part of the rush. Then when it happens the adrenaline rush is awesome! This is my favorite way to Snook fish. Whether we use jigs, subsurface, or top water lures it is the ultimate hook up that we all want!

Whatever you decide to do and wherever you go to target your fish we have had some beautiful weather days allowing for some really comfortable days on the water. It’s an especially good time to get your kids out on the water. So get out, enjoy what we have been blessed with and good luck fishing!

Capt. Mike Merritt
Guide
(561) 252-4324
SnookFishing1@juno.com