January 2016 - Speckled Trout, Reds, and Sheepshead

This month the trout bite has been off the hook !  We've boated our limits on just about every trip and a lot of big trout over the 20" range have been landed.

On the warmer days, the trout will be on the shallow flats and rocky bottom sunning themselves.  A jerk bait or a live shrimp does the trick.  The Mirro Lure "Little John" on a 1/8 oz jig is still producing in the holes and ledges in the river and creeks.  Work the bait slow and be ready for just a slight thump at the end of your line, because the trout are hitting slow when the water is colder.

Red fishing has been good in the rivers and creeks.  Live shrimp on a 1/16 oz jig has been working well for me and my guests.  Sizes range from 12" 50 30", with many in the slot keeper range.

Black drum and sheepshead are hanging with the red fish in the holes in the river and creeks.  The same bait is working just as well for them as the reds.

Speaking of sheepshead, the action has been great offshore on the rocks and ledges.  Shrimp on a knocker rig or jig is all you need to catch these striped bandits.  The larger ones are starting to show up, so February should be great.

Thanks as always to all my friends and guest for a great start to the new year.