Our latest Destin inshore bay catches have been Sheep Head, Redfish, Black Drum and a few Speckled Trout. Our weather down here in Florida has been up and down all winter. The warmer days have been a better bite versus the days when a front comes through. Colder days cause for a little more patience as the fish are slower to react to a bait. Our go to live bait has been shrimp or bull minnows. This time of the year, artificial lures have been successful as well. With the fish moving slower due to cooler water temps, it is important to remember to work your lures slower as well. Another method we pay close attention to especially this time of the year, is birds working. While the birds are diving on top, the big bull redfish will be lurking underneath and are the main cause of the baits being pushed to the surface. The Sheephead and Black Drum we have been catching can be found around older docks and bridges that have quite a bit of growth on them as the fish feed on the oyster shells that have developed there. You can even bring a shovel along with you and scrape the pilings to chum up the water before tossing a bait in.
With the 2019 Fishing Season upon us, don’t wait until you get in town to book your fishing trip. Spring Break is projected to kick off around March 8th, 2019. Dates are filling up now and will be completely booked by the end of February. If you are looking to book a great place to stay please visit or contact our accommodation partners:
*These trusted partners are located thorough the Emerald Coast including Fort Walton Beach, Destin, San Destin, 30A, Santa Rosa Beach and Miramar Beach.
Check back with us next month for more tips and fishing reports.
Happy New Year, see y’all on the water!