Cold weather does change fishing conditions and success. Even on Florida's East Coast anglers must take current weather conditions into consideration if they want to have a successful outing.
The first item on your cold weather checklist should be appropriate clothing. The current cold front will bring ground temperatures into the 30s and 40s, followed by a corresponding fall in water temperatures. The best rule of thumb is to think layered. Start with warm clothing underneath and add rain and wind protection with the outer layers of clothing. As the day progresses clothing can be removed level by lever to achieve the anglers own comfort level.
Since fish are cold blooded animals, they too will be searching for protection from the cold as the water temperatures fall. They will be seeking their own comfort level. In the mornings that is likely to be deeper water. Mud bottoms are known to hold their temperatures longer and provide another shelter from the cold. Avoid the shade and fish the sunny side of the area first.
As the day progresses a sunny day can warm the water by several degrees. Those few degrees may be all it takes to bring some fish to the shallower waters. In fact, potholes on the flats can be an excellent target for black drum, redfish and trout in the winter. The sand spots tend to warm quicker and fish will lay in the potholes warming themselves in the sun while waiting for a passing meal.
Target the potholes with small plastic baits like CAL Shad Tails on a 1/8th ounce jighead. Natural bait on the flats in the winter are small shrimp, crabs and other crustaceans. Matching the hatch means keeping the offerings small. Slow down your retrieve for better success. The fish become very lethargic in the colder water and are not much interested in running down their dinner.
Wintertime anglers might just want to sleep in a little longer and have an extra cup of coffee before venturing out. Dress warm, keep the bait small and fish slow. These simple tips can make a winter outing more successful.
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