Summary: Redfish are easy enough to locate during the cold months but can be very picky eaters.

Advantage: Some sight fishing for tailers on low tides.  Redfish can also be found around dock lights at night.

Disadvantage: Tough target in the winter, needs several day warm-up period after cold front passage. Even with a warm-up, requires delicate presentations in shallow clear water.

Summary: Fish should be prevalent around oyster bars and mangroves. Fish the under mangroves edges and the oysters with baitfish and shrimp patterns early in the day. Later, as light levels increase, do some sightcasting in the mangrove bays. Smaller flies and accurate presentations come into play here.

Advantage: Reds should be getting more and more active as the water warms.

Disadvantage: May start a little on the slow side but should get progressively better.

Summary: Look for the big breeders of summer to show up pushing wakes and eating everything in sight. Fish a variety of flies including bait, shrimp, attractor and topwater patterns. Try oyster bars, shorelines and open grass flats around sandy holes.

Advantage: The fish average big and they’re fairly easy to catch.

Disadvantage: Most are too big and have to be released.

Summary: Look for the big breeder reds to be on and around the shallower flats until the water cools off. Use a variety of bait shrimp and crab patterns. Look for head wakes along shorelines and shallow grass flats as these fish are willing to please if you get a fly in front of them.

Advantage:  A lot of hungry reds feeding in preparation to go offshore for winter along with the 29" and smaller resident fish.

Disadvantage:  Mostly oversize fish above limit, catch and release.