Bass Fishing

Winter Saltwater Fishing Florida

By Bill Rollins 27/04/2022 3 mins read

Although Florida's winter months don't have any spectacular fish schools, there's still plenty of saltwater fishing. While the cold weather can drive snook and other gamefish up into rivers, canals and creeks, the influx of these fish can cause concentrations of the species. Brackish rivers can also be affected by this phenomenon, and can be home to freshwater species such a largemouth bass or catfish.

Red snapper

Red snapper is a great choice if you are looking for unique winter saltwater fishing opportunities. Red snapper are only available during certain times of year. Those are the weekends leading up Memorial Day. The season will end on September 7th in 2021. These are some of the best ways to increase your chances of catching a fish. Research is key to catching a fish.

Cobia

Cobia fishing is an excellent option for winter saltwater fishing trips. Cobia are predatory, strong fish. They eat mainly crustaceans but will also eat other fish. Pelagic species larger than the young cobia prey upon them. They migrate through the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean during the season. During the winter months, cobia from the northeastern Gulf of Mexico migrate south and spend the winter near the Florida Keys. You don't need a federal permit to catch cobia; just use authorized gear including automatic reels, bandit gear, handlines, rod and reels, and pelagic longlines.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead, especially in the Gulf of Mexico, are a popular catch along coastal Atlantic waters. They are also popular fish to catch along grass flats. The distinctive vertical stripes of the sheepshead make it easy for people to spot it in the water. Sheepshead live in varying depths, from backwaters to offshore reefs. Florida's winter brings cold fronts, and the fish will migrate inshore to feed.

Barracuda

Although the Florida Keys are known for their bones, there are many other species that can be caught while you're saltwater fishing in Florida. Barracuda were once a beloved winter flats species. But they are nearly impossible to catch these days. The Lower Keys Guides Association launched the Save the Barracuda campaign. The group urged Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission officials to adopt harvest regulations to ensure the protection of these endangered fish. Two public meetings have been held by Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. The draft rule is expected this fall.

Pompano fish

The early season cold front drove the pompano south. Now, you can catch them all year. You can still catch trout and redfish, but you can also fish for pompano. If you are willing and able to work hard, you will get tasty meals. Florida Pompano saltwater fishing for Pompano fish

Redfish

There are many ways to catch redfish during the Winter, but one of the best methods is to fish in mangroves. Redfish will prefer to be in cooler waters as they can easily become too hot in warm water during summer. If you want to get on the redfish, send up a dead bait into the mangrove roots. The bait has a salty taste and redfish will eat it.

Blackfin tuna

Blackfin tuna are small fish that live on the continental shelf from the Carolinas south to Brazil. Their current stock numbers are healthy, though global warming will likely extend their range north. Florida's Fish and Wildlife Commission set new daily and weekly catch limits for blackfin tona at two per person and ten per vessel. Blackfins are not found in skipjacks and can be found almost anywhere in Florida's waterways.

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FAQ

What happens when I lose a fishing fish?

Part of the game is losing a fish. Sometimes you might catch a fish but then lose it. Try again when this happens. You will eventually catch another fish.

How often should my lures be changed?

Every few days, lures should be changed. After too much exposure to the sun, lures will lose their effectiveness.

Can I fish in the morning?

Yes, you can fish any hour of the night. The only time you cannot fish is during times when there is a ban on fishing.

Statistics

Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
Orvis, Simms, and Fishpond have been making some of the best packs and vests for a long time, and it seems like 90% of the anglers around the area use these brands. (troutandsteelhead.net)
About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
To substantiate this theory, Knight attempted a systematic inquiry by considering the timing of 200 'record' catches, more than 90 percent were made during a new moon (when no moon is visible). (myfwc.com)