Club News and Activities

Tight Lines…Where Should I Fish During Winter Weather Patterns?

  • February 2025
  • BY JAY LEV, BURNT STORE ANGLERS

Where should I fish during winter weather patterns is the million-dollar question asked by anglers during this time of the year. After many seasons of gathering fishing data from members of the Burnt Store Anglers, we can offer a few suggestions.

Fish are very subject to water temperature and their feeding habits are especially impacted by the availability of the bait fish, crabs, shrimp and other crustaceans they feed on. Typically, the small bait fish that they feed on are scarce. Anglers finding and netting these prime baits find it very time consuming, and most difficult to locate these baits in any quantity. Bait and tackle stores continue to offer shrimp and fish. So, load up on shrimp before leaving the dock. A few net casts could get you some pinfish, and that will offer the angler some choice.

As for fishing spots, sand holes tend to warm up a bit faster due to the reflection of the sun off the sandy bottom. Fish can be found in these spots early in the morning. As the water temperature warms a few degrees during the day, fish will return to their old habitats under mangroves and deeper water. If the sun does not cooperate and does not give the water a few warmer degrees, the fish will look for a better
habitat to spend their time. For some reason, not exactly known to most anglers, the water to the south of the marina seems to hold fish. That’s not to say the large flats off Pirate Harbor are not holding fish. These flats, during the warmer part of the day, can hold many fish.
Many anglers look for coves and islands that can protect them from the cold winds that blow from the north. Fish find these areas as well. Many of our islands have troughs that run the length of the island due to currents. These are usually excellent winter locations for finding fish. Drop-offs of just a few feet are excellent locations to freeline a shrimp during the winter season.

Fish behavior during colder weather is also important to consider. Fish, like snook and redfish, tend to use less energy to feed during cooler water temperatures. Thus, the angler must adjust their bait presentations. Fast moving lures need to be slowed down to accommodate fish metabolism. Jerk baits, fished off the bottom, need a very slow retrieve. A member of the anglers fished a small 3-inch root beer colored paddle tail lure just off the bottom. He placed his fishing rod in a rod holder and went to have a bite of his sandwich. The boat was moving slowly up and down in the wind. I saw his rod suddenly take a big bend. He grabbed his fishing rod and to his surprise a nice fish was hooked. No thanks to his excellent skills. After a nice fight, he netted a 43-inch, 29-pound snook, getting him into the IGFA 25 Pound Honor Club.

Slow everything down and your chances of a hook-up will improve. Remember, sea trout can handle cooler water, reds may also be around, but of the three, snook do not like cooler water.

Tight Lines

“Fast moving lures need to be slowed down to accommodate fish metabolism.