All apologizes on a report that has not changed much the past few weeks. Simply put, the water and air temperatures are well below the norm. It has been a very busy January on the books. In effort to uphold our up-front and honest approach to professional guiding, the month has resulted in many cancelled or postponed trips.

Again this should not discourage anyone from making a trip out. The fishing can be good on any given day and of course not the next. For us, it has been a personal decision we offer back to our clients. Our goal is to see that everyone is happy and expectations are met. Naturally success is measured in the eye of the beholder. Here is what is up.

Up the Cotee River, reds are being taken in the areas of the bends between the US 19 and Main Street bridges. Submerged oyster bars and the parts of the river blanketed with scattered shell are producing these fish to 24 inches. In the same areas, sheephead are being taken as well. The set up is a fresh shrimp (both alive and dead) pinned down on just enough weight to reach the bottom. A few trout and ladyfish have as well made the bag. Under current conditions, patience is a virtue.

During the morning hours of this week’s flood tides, some gator trout were taken tight to oyster bars butting up against water 6 to 8 feet deep. With just the little sunshine, they are moving off onto the edges of shallow water. On some days and with a little finesse, fishing them has provided decent action. The next, their presence is only verified by riding over the spots upon exit just to see if they are even there. Flats just outside small bayous, cul-de-sacs, and boat basins have been producing as well. Add a few reds in that shallow gin clear water as well, but are completely unapproachable. The trout have been of quality size, the numbers remain in question on a daily basis. February 1st they are closed for harvest from Pasco north. It will be onto the south zone for those who find the enjoyment and satisfaction in catching them.

A hiatus to the Caribbean is the order next week for some family time prior to the upcoming chaos of spring. A see a warming trend through the start of the week. If we can get it to stick, we’ll be in great shape in no time. Hang in there!