A stiff blast of Arctic air made its way through Florida this past week. Morning temperatures barely crept above 38 degrees.

Inshore the flats went null and void of any significant sign of life. Action was confined to the power plants, deep residential canals, and far up rivers. Snook stood vigil and most of the action consisted of trout, a few pompano, permit and jacks.

Offshore the fabulous grouper bite that was happening in 25 to 30 feet came to a screeching halt and was further hampered by a bright full moon.

While these type of fronts from time to time make their way here; they are most common in December. The warming trends between the fronts will see the most favorable conditions.

With the exception of snook, expect most other inshore gamefish to poke around the fringes of the canals, creeks, rivers and power plants. In winter, oyster bars located adjacent to deeper water are the star attraction to these heat seeking fish. A stealth approach will be kingpin in approaching these very spooky fish. Another strategy is hitting the docks, particularly those located next to a flat, on the point of joining canals, one that features a stagnate boat, or heavily infested with oysters and barnacles. These are old time favorites of reds, trout, sheepshead, black drum, and mango snapper. A live shrimp fished on the bottom gets the nod.

Offshore, expect the grouper bite to continue. Start where you left off and work your way out. For those south of Anclote, 70 feet should be your final attempt and 50 feet for those working to the north.

A good shot of air is unfortunate; the good news is …it does not last for long.

A safe and Happy New Year to all!

Screaming drags and tired arms!

Robert McCue