by Capt. Matt Mitchell
After some of the coldest weather we have seen in years, our worries about a cold-water fish kill never materialized. Areas from Tampa north and the northeast coast of Florida did have reports of some dead snook, though we were spared. After just a few extreme cold days, water temperatures gradually rebounded just enough to get out of that danger zone. With our snook population in such great shape the past few years, we really dodged a bullet.
These past few weeks have been all that can be described as a roller coaster. Having to cancel due to weather and then try to reschedule, along with clients who simply could not get down here at all because of flight cancellations, has made things a little more challenging. This is not that unusual for our winter fishing season, though the past few weeks have brought hard winter conditions and more extreme conditions than most. When it comes down to it, Mother Nature is in charge, and no matter how far out a trip is planned, there are days when it’s not fishable.
With water temperatures hanging in the mid to low 50’s, sheepshead continue to be the target species. Anglers are currently catching some of the biggest sheepshead of the season, with areas around all our passes bringing the most consistent bite. While shrimp fishing in these areas, we have also been catching a few black drum and redfish. This is typical during our coldest times, though. As water temperatures warm, expect trout and snook to become more common catches.
Live shrimp continue to be our bait of choice until warming waters bring us some shiners back. Slowly bouncing a handpicked shrimp on a jig head is a great technique for catching snook during these colder periods. Give this setup a little hop and wind, keeping it close to the bottom. This method can draw a snook bite when nothing else will. Popping corks are another option with live shrimp and probably catch more trout on the flats than any other method.
The past few weeks have really required flipping my usual schedule, as we have been starting later and waiting for temperatures to warm before heading out. Most days, we do not leave the dock till late morning/early afternoon. This late start has paid off with much more comfortable conditions and great fishing action. After a cool run across the bay, we get tucked in the mangroves out of the wind and enjoy the best part of the day. Although it’s been awfully cold, my clients are still happy to be escaping the snow and be out catching fish.
Capt. Matt Mitchell moved to Sanibel in 1980 and has lived in St. James City since 2000, when he started his fishing charter business. He spends over 300 days a year “living the dream” fishing. For questions and info: bookings@captmattmitchell.com
Leave a Comment