Its been a whirlwind as the kids go on winter break. My post covers quite a few trips in the south shore, Tenoroc and Ft Desoto area. Getting time to post is getting harder as my kids and nephews get older too. That being said, I hope that some of the info I post while sometimes repeated is of value to our community at large. For 4 years now, my nephews and kids all look forward to the winter wading season. While I have access to a boat, there is just something serene about getting out at dawn when it is cold and heading out to wade fish a negative low.
The key lures for me the past 2 months have been the Mirrodine XL, the "heavy" Mirrodine, DOA shrimp, DOA Paddletails, New Penny Gulp 3 inch shrimp on a 1/4oz jighead and a new favorite for me Love Lures Float-n-jig. Each has its own application. Flounder seem to hit the jigs better and trout and ladyfish seem to hit everything. This season, redfish have been an elusive species for me. While I watch the tides for the lows, the best activity seems to occur when the water is bottoming out or just coming in.
The most productive day I had this year was an am here recently out with Flatswanabe. After wandering around on some not so productive channels, we waded out to the entry to the bay. It was a fish every cast. Unreal action. We caught so many that there was froth on the water. All the trout were undersized and the ladyfish were just downright fun. All good stuff in my book. Just to prove that the same place with virtually same conditions sometimes will not produce.... I took my wife there 2 days later and not one fish! LOL. Fortunately we moved and she caught some fish at a different spot.
To all those out there that are just learning how to use artificials... Spend the time. Its well worth it. Now that I have the basic hang of it, I look forward to trying new stuff. Its funny, once I find the fish are there, sometimes I will change out the lure to see if I can get a different one to work.
Here's to a great new year of fishing and fishing stories!
Fishindad
Happy New Year everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love the dog pic. If I set a beer down around mine, he would be drinking it
if the water gets too cold for you, I have a full set of Orvis stockingfoot neoprene waders, wading jacket/hood,felt soled boots, rubber overboots with metal cleats and neo socks. it was the only way to stay warm up north steelhead fishing or duck hunting in extreme weather. if interested pm me. I agree about wading. my fav was fly fishing small spring fed creeks for trout.
Nice speck picks, both fresh and saltwater varieties! Thanks for sharing, your posts and pics are always interesting and good motivation to get out and wet a line!
Nice report and great pic's.. It's giving me the bug to wet a line.
