Don't forget about our 2009 Inshore and offshore Fishing School Dates:

Inshore fishing class January 31, 2009

Offshore fishing class February 7, 2009

Inshore fishing class February 21, 2009   $90.00 each now taking reservations

 Cold Water Red Fish Bite

Red fish are cold, but not too cold to be a targeted species for this time of the year.  There is a secret to getting your best shot at hooking up the red fish….

Water temperatures are on the cold side…when fishing inshore is your plan here’s a few tips especially if you are planning to use live bait such as shrimp or mud minnows.  Cast your bait into to place, put your rod in the holder, and wait for that hit…the fish bite during cold water times is going to be slow meaning you have to give them time to eat….

For those wanting to target spotted sea trout during this time I suggest “going artificial” I suggest using small jigs and screw tails on ultra light tackle…The retrieval for this bait can be signature…mine’s is drop to the bottom, wait, twitch a bit, reel twice, and repeat. This one is called the “Rupert Stroll!”  

Using your Old Cast Net Now!

I have had a few unbelievable reports from those that love throwing the old cast net.  During this time large shrimp are known for holding in deep holes in kind of a hibernating mode. This is normal for this time of year.  Small baits such as finger mullet and peanut menhaden are known for schooling in the back of creeks. Not a lot of them, but just enough opportunity to catch a few for the inshore fish day.     However, that’s not the reports I have been getting.  In certain creeks there seem to be lots of mullet of all sizes…if you have a secret area, you might just want to check it out!  

Inshore Down Sizing

When it’s cold those down under are cold too!  Whether fish are moving or feeding they are in the “slow motion mode.”  To catch a fish in this mode you are going to need to down size your leaders, hooks, and bait.  Lip hooked small mud minnows under popping corks are great live baits during this time.  As far as setting the hook, “don’t” let the fish do that job for you.   

Let’s talk a little about that live bait that you are using.  During this time baits such as mud minnows could come in all sizes.  With that being said, “I suggest only using the smallest first.”  These baits work the best and have been proven time after time.  Even a predatory fish such as the spotted sea trout is even going to have a hard time with the small guys.  The reason being is they already know they are cold so therefore their movement is going to be slow at best.  This fish also knows that to digest a larger bait is going to take lots of time as well as energy, which may in turn wear them physically out.  I know all this sounds so technical, but it’s what I would call “real time bottom facts!”  Once these suggestions are plugged into your current bait situation I think that you will agree!

Lets talk a little about inshore trolling for spotted sea trout.

I know you are already turning your nose up at this one, but believe me especially during this time it can be good.  Here are a few suggestions for best scenarios for this type of winter trolling.

The weather is always going to be a factor.  If it’s real cold, meaning below freezing, wait till the middle of the day.  There is a need for sunshine on this particular fish day, because it offers warmth.  This warmth is what all fish are going to migrate too as soon as they can. 

After all there aren’t stupid! If the fish were we could catch them all of the time!

You will also need a low tide stage in the middle or the warmer part of the fish day.  As you know and if you have been reading the spotted sea trout biting is “hands down” better on the incoming than the outgoing.  I know I am going to get some argument there, but if you can choose go this route.