Winter Fishing Refreshing

Capt. John Fischbach
December 30, 2012
Tarpon Springs - Saltwater Fishing Report

Capt. Rich Knox of Absolute Florida Flats Fishing, a Fishing Guide Service located on the West Central Fl. Gulf Coast reports fishing the Christmas week was hard fishing on the inshore fishing scene with high winds and coldest water temperatures of the year on the full moon front. We saw water temperatures plummet into the mid 50's almost a 15*F change, we have had a mild winter so far this year with pilchard's still being available, the fair weather had the Big (Gator) spotted Sea Trout and Red-fish scattered, so you had to cover a lot of ground. The Fishing Charters were catching a few fish (quality) per stop though, on a combination of live and artificial baits on light tackle set-ups, spinning reels spolled with 8-10 lb. Berkley Ultra Cast braid with a 3-4' section of 20lb. fluorocarbon. While searching the inshore fishing flats from Clearwater, Tarpon Springs, to New Port Richey we checked out the Anclote River power plant area where the water was noticeably warmer, we caught good numbers of Trout, Jack-Crevalle, Ladyfish (poor mans tarpon) and Pompano, any more the plant fishing is like throwing a light switch, your either catching or fishing ! Hopefully these temperatures (water/air) will soon stabilize, these optimum winter fishing conditions will be very refreshing and outstanding, the fish will stack up in certain holes and structure filled flats fishing locations. Happy New Year and Tight Lines !

Tarpon Springs Fishing Forecast:

Inshore Flats Fishing will be outstanding

Target Species:

Spotted Sea Trout, Red-fish

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