I guess the redfish didn’t get the memo. It’s winter time, which means it’s big trout season. I stopped targeting redfish over a month ago, and for some reason, I just can’t seem to keep them off my hooks. I know what you’re thinking…tough problem to have, right? And I don’t expect you to feel sorry for me by any means, but this time of year redfish really are a nuisance. They push trout out of areas and pursue lure much more aggressively. I don’t mind reeling in a few hogs now and then, but I don’t get out in these weather’s conditions for a species I can catch regularly and comfortably the remainder of the year.
The winter time is about the only time of year I target something other than redfish; I have ulterior motives in mind when I hit the water during the cold. Lately, it seems as if the redfish have taken residence in places where their not welcome. Sort of like when you were in college and a friend showed up needing a place to crash for the night and ends up sleeping on your couch for weeks acting as if he pays rent. Or when that girl that you just started dating spends the night at your place a few times and next thing you know your closet and bathroom are full of her stuff. Or when that family member from out of town wants to stay in your guest bedroom for a short stay and ends up staying longer than you anticipated and acts like he owns the place. I guess you get my point by now. They’re just not welcome. Well, at least not for extended periods.
I hit the water a few times last week and over weekend and the fishing has been fair. There are plenty of redfish stacked up in traditional winter trout holes and prowling drop-offs near oyster reefs. I have strictly been fishing during afternoons and nights lately. This time of year afternoons are usually best, and when the conditions line up right, fishing can be absolutely phenonmenal right before dark and into the night, especially for big fish. Multiple limits of mid-slot reds have been a regular occurrence but we have been catching a few trout in the mix. The trout we have been catching are solid fish in the 3 – 5.5lb range.
Water clarity has varied from slightly stained to extremely clear, but morning glory has been my go to color regardless. The main forage right now is mullet and a morning glory paddle tail is a great imitator. It also puts out vibration and a nice sillouette for night fishing. The Hackberry Hustler is quickly becoming one of my favorite lures. I have had one tied on one of my rods since early December. The morning tides have been outgoing and vice versa for the evening tides. The water levels have been below normal but by now the water should be back up. Winds have been all over the place, high and low and out of nearly every direction, but the fish haven’t seemed to be effected.
Moonrise Over the Surf
