I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. As the holiday season approaches, the temperatures are still dropping and the water is cooling down. Fishing, this time of year, in the Northeast Florida area, is very good. The Sheepshead bite has turned on in the region. As the colder weather rolls in, the water temps will drop, and the bite will really turn on. Target Jetty rocks, bridges, pilings, and other structures with barnacles. The rig of choice is a stout rod, enough lead to hold the bottom tipped with fiddlers. Use a vertical presentation, and be ready for the subtle bite.
The trout bite is very good in the creek holes and ICWW. Target creek mouths on the first of the incoming tide, or last of the outgoing. A simple jig head and plastic paddle tail will do the trick. Allow your bait to move freely in current with an occasional twitch in your retrieve.
My favorite fish, the Redfish bite has been extremely good too. However, with the colder water, target mudflats, and shallow creeks warmed by the sun. Artificial lures need to be retrieved very, very slow.
Go down in weight size, this will allow the lure to fall slower through the water column. A suspending lure works very well this time of year. The live bait of choice is dead fresh shrimp or blue crab. Most Reds, trout, and black drum have a hard time passing those up.
Enjoy the holidays and be sure to get out on the water with family and friends. If I can answer any questions, or if you would like to spend a day on the water catching fish, please email or call me. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas, and Great New Year.
See you on the water,
Captain Don Taylor, Jr
904.318.9906
inshoreoutdoorsfishing.com
