Import-Export

Seasonably warm weather blanketed the state the past 10 days that has offered us the best flats fishing fishing we have experienced in the past 5 weeks. Strong and violent cold fronts a few weeks back had us wondering what happened to the fish that we usually catch in good numbers post those conditions. A full moon and water temperature climbing near 70 degrees this past week confirmed…yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus!

Large tight schools of jumbo trout (some to 7 lbs.) were found in the skinny. Reds in the potholes, on the bars, and under the docks were easy targets. Bluefish, jack cravelle and ladyfish so numerous, we had to move to get our offerings to other species inhabiting the same area. Snook eased their ways onto the fringes of deep-water drop-offs and structures, casting shadows of a sundial.

While these species at this time of year can be taken on assortment of artificial lures, experience and luck offered my clients a phenomenal advantage. A definitive flash deep in the water column caught my eye on one particular day. The area had produced bait at this time of year several times in years past under Indian summer conditions. I hit the switch for the live well and grabbed my cast net that had been collecting dust in the forward hatch the past few weeks. One throw confirmed the sighting as the net lit up like a Christmas tree with over 2,000 scaled sardines. These neo tropical pieces of candy are not normally found during this time of year. Importing and exporting them to areas known to be holding large concentrations of winter species seemed almost illegal or at least politically incorrect. The action was fast and non-stop. Simply put, it was a joke.

Many of the fish are now being found many miles from where they held on for dear life just 2 weeks ago when Jack Frost came to town. Pompano and permit are cruising many flats. These fish respond best to crustaceans and their artificial imitations. By fishing with the sardines, we eliminated most probability in getting these species, though they remain available.

The current situation can change at anytime with the passing of a front. Similar results will occur in between the passing of these high-pressure systems. By modifying where you fish under different Florida winter conditions, action can be enjoyed on array of species.

I want to take a line to thank all that have come to experience Florida fishing with us this past year. To all who are regular visitors to the site and the report. To you and your families, ALL THE BEST for a Happy Holiday Season!

Screaming drags and tired arms!