by Capt. Matt Mitchell
What an amazingly warm January we are lucky enough to be experiencing. This is great for anglers looking to bend the rods on unseasonably fantastic snook fishing. With our water temperatures currently in the low 70’s, catch-and-release snook fishing has been amazing, with these fish caught from the passes to the backcountry creeks.
The fact that we are still casting netting shiners has not been the norm over the previous few years, as this magical bait disappears during our colder months. I’m really enjoying this warm winter weather and getting to show my clients this unusual late-season snook bite.
If you’re more into sheepshead fishing, things have been up and down with the best action occurring within a few days after a cold front goes through.
January can bring some of the best sheepshead fishing of the year, although this is yet to materialize, as we have only had brief periods of what’s to come. With some colder temperatures coming in the 10-day forecast, this bite is sure to fire off.
Trout have been consistent with grass flats in the 2-4ft range, holding what seems like never-ending fish. Clean, clear water will hold more trout than anywhere else. Both popping cork rigs with live shrimp and live free-lined shiners caught these fish. Generally, for every 10 trout you catch, only one is over the 15-inch minimum size.
During low-water periods, the edges of exposed grass flats are also a good choice. One of my favorite places to catch these trout is the back side of North Captiva. These super healthy grass flats have lots of sand holes, which can be non-stop action. Paddle tails are also a great option, rigged on a 1/4oz jig head, and let you cover lots of water.
By taking advantage of the days with super calm conditions, get out on the Gulfside. Ledges and hard bottom areas in the 30-40ft range have come to life with lots of sheepshead, grunts, and mangrove snapper. Rig up with a simple knocker rig with a 1/2oz sinker and a 1/0 light wire circle hook. Live shrimp are the bait of choice for this, and it’s just a matter of dropping down to the bottom and then reeling up a foot or two. This method produces a crazy variety of species and is just plain fun to fish for. This bite quickly shuts down once the big sharks show up, and they always do.
Keep your eyes open while out on the Gulfside, as big schools of Bonita are moving around; these fish are easy to spot as they erupt on the surface. A small spoon or jig cast through these fish and reeled super fast, skipping across the surface, will get them. Crab buoys are also worth looking at while riding around for triple tail. Enjoy this good weather, as it gives anglers lots of options.
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
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