Happy Fishing! Check out this weekend's Big Bend's fishing report
HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!
Hard to believe another year has gone by. We’ve enjoyed bringing you weekly fishing reports to help keep you safe and catching more fish. Look forward to 2022 with even better information!
A couple weeks ago we talked about weather in December. Looks like we’re on pace for that same system to hit again. A couple weeks of mid 70s, then the bottom falls and the temps drop. Hope many of you were able to get out and enjoy the beauty of fall, I mean early winter in Florida.
I’d like to talk about the great grouper fishing so close in. It might be a waste of time seeing today is the last day. If you do get a chance to go you may be in for a treat as limit after limit of nice Gags keep coming in. If you missed out no problem. Season restarts in just a few months.
Have you been able to figure out your new electronics you received as a gift last week? It’s ok. When you have time at home, there are plenty of “how to” videos on social media. Remember, nothing beats time on the water to refine those skills.
We haven’t talked about world famous Lake Jackson in a while. It’s ok though, no need unless you have a kayak, mud or air boat. Even then you must have a 4 wheel drive to even attempt a launch which is next to impossible.
Tip of the week. Throwing a spoon or other wobbling bladed bait. This is one of the most effective baits for redfish inshore, or schooling fish in fresh or saltwater. Many times I’ve had anglers ask me about line twist. These baits can “roll” instead of wobble during a retrieve. Just like a top water bait when it gets tangled around the hooks. After so many of those twists, you will get those dang “wind knots” during your cast. This can be eliminated with a simple swivel.
Swivels come in different sizes just like everything else in fishing. Most are rated by #test, just like fishing line.
I like to use a #7 swivel for most freshwater or inshore saltwater applications. Some, like myself, prefer to tie a fluorocarbon leader to the braided main line via swivel. Others that use straight fluorocarbon or monofilament will attach a swivel to the spoon using a split ring. For added attraction try a Red split ring.
Until next year, be safe have fun and ALWAYS wear a life jacket while boating!
APALACHEE BAY
Otto Hough (myhometownfishing.com) says, "As good as it's been over the Big Bend waters, inside and outside this past weekend into midweek, it appears Ma Nature has windy plans for the New Year's weekend. This past weekend with springtime air temps warming the skinny water, the trout and reds were active along the coastline. Outside, conditions were great for chasing the gags for the small boat anglers. Things are changing. Winter is looming come Sunday.
"Sadly, as good as the marine conditions have been, those conditions will become a mere year end fishing memory this weekend. The onset of elevated winds on the front side of the cold weather system arriving late Sunday will have seas at near, if not at full NWS Small Craft Advisory levels. This change in weather is going to bring about a shift towards thinking river and creek fishing techniques once again going into the first week of 2022. Low tides early will be of the strong winter negative low variety, with the Sunday low being extreme given the predicted stout northwest wind. Don't even think about launching from the Lighthouse before ten o'clock or so Sunday.
"So, the time is here to begin shifting gears to be ready to target the trout, reds and sheepshead in the river and creek holes. Be it soaking a lively shrimp or slow working a softbait or slow sinking hardbait in a favorite hole, the wintering fish should bite well during the major solunar feed periods over the pre-new moon weekend. As for softbaits, a Z-man TRD TicklerZ on a Ned rig is producing well, but work it slowly, very slowly. The Mirrolure 18MR Heavy Dines with a hint of chartreuse is a hot commodity to pound in a deep hole as is a slow sinking Paul Brow Original or the Devil. Slow trolling the Bomber Long A in gold/orange or bone color schemes will be another top river producer when pulled in the deeper cuts and over the holes. That lures trolls around 4 to 6 feet down depending on how much line is out when pulled at 4.5 mph.
"Remember, as good the gag season has been, the season closes midnight Friday, not reopening until April Fools day. Time now to target the rock bass over the shallow water rock piles.
"It's been stated by me often, wear that auto-inflatable PFD when on the water with that big motor purring. Better yet, wear it from the movement shoving off till safely back at the dock after a good time fishing somewhere on the waters of the Big Bend. Given the windy conditions in weekend forecast, make wise decisions, plus file a float plan with someone for launching. Boat safely. Just FISH!"
ST GEORGE ISLAND
Captain Russ Knapp (850-653-5072) reports, “The weather this week has been more like October than December but it's about to do a major change and become winter starting on Sunday with a sharp cold front scheduled to come roaring in. Honestly anglers at this time ( Tuesday night ) this looks like a great weekend to stay home and watch some football as there is a Small Craft Exercise Caution in the forecast with a possible upgrade to Gale Warning late Sunday.
"In the bay this week things have been very much like last week with Redfish in the Cut, Silver Trout and Whiting on the oyster flats and Sheepshead cruising the bridge pilings and channels around the Oyster bars. Capt. Dan Fortunas (850 980 0101) has been fishing fresh shrimp for everybody but the Silver Trout and Whiting will bite on cut bait also and the Sheepsheads can't pass up a live Fiddler Crab. After this weekend's cold front drops the water temperature Capt. Dan is looking for things to switch to a winter pattern so stay tuned and we will keep you updated.
"Offshore, the Gag Grouper season ends on Jan 1 but the Red Grouper opens on the same day so you can still keep Grouper just a different Grouper starting this weekend. Winter can be really nasty offshore so if you do go out pick your day very carefully and be sure to take the proper survival gear with you just in case things go sideways.
"Tip of the week. If the weather forecast is for choppy conditions in the bay unless your tight to the shore in the lee of the wind choppy means ROUGH and NASTY so plan accordingly and be safe."
LAKE SEMINOLE
Captain Paul Tyre writes, “Happy New Year from Captain Paul Tyre! Wow the Crappie fishing on Lake Seminole has been EXCELLENT this week! The Specks are staging and are feeding! They have been biting on Jigs and Minnows and are coming out of 10 to 15’ of water.
"The Flint and Chattahoochee River arms of the lake has a slight stain from recent rains but Spring Creek remains clear. The Bass fishing on Lake Seminole has been excellent also with the bigger Bass staging. Moving baits have worked well like Chatterbaits and Crank baits fished along the edges of the grass lines. The Bass fishing on Lake Seminole will remain very good through the spring.
"For an exciting Lake Seminole Fishing Adventure this winter email us @lakeseminolefishingadventures@gmail.com or follow us on Instagram @Capt.paultyrefishing and Facebook @lakeseminolefishingadventures! Give us a call at 850-264-7534 to check availability!"
FRESHWATER
Otto Hough reports, “Water levels are great on Iamonia. The lake is giving up quality catches of bass and specs, but remember it's duck season. The rules are different through the end of January. No operation of internal combustion motors is allowed. It's trolling motors or paddling only."
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Happy Fishing! Check out this weekend's Big Bend's fishing report
