Ho-Hum

Blustery winter conditions originating from Canada and the mid-west continue to impact Florida’s weather.There is no one single factor that affects fish or any wildlife, than the weather. While we have been blessed with warm winters and soft breezes the past decade, this year has been a much different situation so far.

The bad news is the fronts are passing now at 4-day intervals. While that can be the norm for this time of year, the pressure gradient and subsequent frigid temperatures, has offered us harsh conditions that are best suited for the true diehard. To some it beats driving a vehicle across frozen ice, drilling a hole, and dropping a line. For others, reminiscing in front of a warm fire while enjoying eggnog is more appealing.

The water temperatures have fallen to a very cool 58 degrees. This has most all species inside the rivers, creeks, and deep canal systems. The flats are near vacant with just a few scattered trout found on the flats adjacent to deep water. These areas include river mouths, the edges of the Inter-Coastal, and behind the barrier islands.

Redfish, trout, ladyfish and sheepshead will be the primary catches in the backcountry. A live shrimp with just enough weight to reach the bottom or a jig slowly twitched in the river bends, under the docks, and along the drops of feeder creeks are the places to apply your efforts. The key is slow down your methods and be patient.

Over the past several years our worse winter conditions have come in December. With December now all but gone, we can only hope that 2001 will reflect similar conditions of recent years past.

I had an interesting e-mail this week from someone who was looking for trip info about a week back. The message basically stated that they were quoted very favorable prospects in search of a guide in addition the info I had sent them. They decided to book based the info they had received from this other operation. Upon return to the dock that afternoon, they had ran into my party in the parking lot and compared notes. The message revealed their disappointment and regret. I remember the day exactly. We did not kill them and the day was par for December. While searching hard for Florida fishing info can reveal anything you want to hear, our approach has always been and will always be, honest and accurate. Someone who does that is a long time-established professional whose livelihood and longevity is reputation. The Web is not in Kansas anymore. Be careful out there!

A Happy and Prosperous New Year to All!

Screaming Drags and Tired Arms!