Christmas Fishing Report - Pensacola Fishing
Capt. John Rivers
December 25, 2012
Pensacola - Saltwater Fishing Report
Christmas Fishing Report
Well the year is almost over and the fishing was outstanding.
Let's talk about what has been going on the past week and what next week should bring.
Last week, I was fishing both in Pensacola Bay for the big reds and in the upper bay areas for trout, redfish, and flounder both in the rivers and on the flats.
Contrary to popular belief, the big reds are still around; yes the bite was much better in November with the massive schools of reds that were all over the bay. But don't worry there are still plenty around. Instead of catching 20 –40 monsters a trip, we'll catch between 3 –8 big reds on a trip. I can't give away all my honey holes where to look for these awesome bruisers, but I will give away one area to check: try Lighthouse Beach near the Navy base. From time to time, you'll see a couple boats working that area. Don't use your motor, use the wind or your trolling motor only or stake out with your Power Pole, as the fish are very spooky. This area is hit and miss, but that's what fishing is all about. You can't guarantee you'll get ‘em every time.
If light tackle trout and red fishing is your thing, winter is just the right season to get out there and get them. I went on a scouting trip on Saturday up in Escambia Bay and Escambia River to check out some of my honey holes. The water was extremely low on Saturday, so I had to change up my game plan a bit where I was going to fish. Some of the places held fish, some didn't.
I'm happy to say that some of my go to spots are still producing quality fish and I even found a few new areas that I'll be using in the near future.
Methods used for catching the trout and reds ranged from the old and trusted drop-shot rig with a Berkley Gulp Jerk Shad or Shrimp to just a jig head and a Soft Plastic paddle tail swim bait, and also sinking and suspending twitch baits like MirrOlure's 18MR or 17MR.
I have been using the drop shot rig method for several years, even as far back as my Indiana boyhood days. The drop shot rig is a popular bass fishing technique that has been utilized successfully in the saltwater realm. It's a perfect presentation for fishing in the winter months. It can be a very useful tool for catching trout, flounder and even redfish both on the flats and in deepwater holes. There are a lot of drop shot rig variations, but the basic concept is the bait or lure rides above the weight. The weight will help keep the bait in position while also keeping the bait above the bottom debris and muck.
Although fishing techniques really haven't changed much over the years, the lures sure have. My grandfather told me years ago, fancy shiny painted lures in the stores catch fishermen, but good old beat up lures catch fish. I still smile when I think of him saying that, and it's true; a few well-tried and true lures will work better when you have made note of what works best in different conditions. This is one reason why I go out between paid charters to go try out which lure is proving itself to be the most consistent in catching the most quality fish.
I won't be out on Monday or Tuesday, but will be out all Christmas week both in the bay and either Escambia or Blackwater. I'll write up a report either on the last day of the year or one for the New Year.
Lastly, if you've not heard about my instructional fishing charter, Saltwater Fishing Academy, check it out at www.saltwateracademy.com
I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
May 2013 bring happiness and of course, GOOD FISHING!
Tight lines.
John
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