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Venice Inlet and the Gulf of Mexico
Capt. Dave Pinkham
January 9, 2006
Venice - Saltwater Fishing Report
Wintertime Gulf Fishing Tactics
If you plan on fishing offshore during this time of the year be sure keep a close eye on the weather. As the cold fronts blast down across Florida, the north winds that carry in the cooler temperatures will kick up the sea conditions. This means that you'll have to pick and choose which days wind and seas will permit you to make a run offshore. The best time to fish the gulf will be when the sun is shinning and the winds are not blowing too hard. Look for these nicer days before and after the cold fronts blow through. If the gulf is too rough consider fishing in close to a protected shoreline.
Following a short fish-list of several of the species that can be targeted in the month of January. As I mentioned, wind and sea conditions will often play a big part in what the plan of the day will be.
Cobia could make a decent showing this month. Cobias are a migratory species, and as the Gulf's water temperature drops they should be heading south to their winter-feeding grounds. There is always the possibility that there may still be some cobia hanging on some of the offshore artificial reefs. Depending on how hard the wind is blowing you can either drift fish these reefs with live baitfish, or anchor the boat down. If you do anchor attempt to set the boat directly over or just up wind of the structure. This will put the odds in your favor for catching fish. If a school of cobias pop up, be ready to cast your bait out in front of them.
Gag grouper action should be picking up now that we’ve had a taste of winter. The same cold fronts that pushed the king mackerels out of here will often push gag grouper into short bottom. To catch gags I suggest you locate some hard bottom such as a ledge, an area of coral, a shipwreck, or one of the artificial reefs. Once again try to get your boat anchored over the structure. Now, using live and or cut bait drop your rig to the bottom. It's really that simple! A good stout rod with fairly heavy line (50-pound test) should be used. Gags tend to hit hard and then run for the nearest cover, so hang on and crank the handle!
Mangrove snapper should fill the gap if the gags don't want to cooperate. You'll find these tasty snappers at the same locals as the groupers. When targeting snappers be sure to use a lighter rod. I prefer a 20 to 30-pound rig. Snapper will hit just about any natural bait when feeding.
Greater Amberjacks should be showing up in decent numbers on the deeper wrecks. The best way to get them feeding is with live baits. If you can see AJ’s in the water but are having a tough time getting them to feed you may need to lighten up your rigs. When you do figure them out and get them turned on, be ready because these are some of the hardest fighting fish on the gulf. Don’t be too surprised if you hook into a blackfin tuna in these same areas.
Well, good luck and good fishing. Remember if you're too busy to go fishing you’re just too busy. Get out and go fishin cuz' it's good fer ya! Happy New Year!
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