GO FISHING is a look at the area fishing scene through the eyes of local charter boat captains and fishing guides. Today: Bill Miller.
Strong winter low tides, combined with a north wind, around the full and new moons offer the best wade-fishing opportunities of the year in bay and surrounding areas.
Under these conditions, most of the water on the flats will be gone, except for deeper holes and sloughs. The fish have nowhere to go except into these deeper areas. Soft plastics worked very slowly along the bottom will usually find redfish and trout. Fresh shrimp, tail-hooked on a jig head, will increase your bites and add sheepshead to the menu. A good pair of insulated waders will make your day more comfortable.
Now is a good time to do an inventory of your tackle and give your boat a thorough check. Go over all of your flares and safety equipment. Make sure your life jackets are in working order and dry them out. Check out all of your pumps and replace if necessary. Clean your battery connections and test all switches in your electrical system. Have your motor gone over by a qualified mechanic, and if you have a trailer, give it a good once-over.
Amberjack will be biting around offshore wrecks and springs and will be targeted more by offshore fishermen with the upcoming gag and red grouper closures. As of Jan. 1, the new minimum length for amberjack has increased from 28 inches to 30. For more information on closures and size limits, visit www.myfwc.com
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