Holiday Fishing Cranks Up as Cold Fronts Push Through
Capt. Matt Ercoli
December 16, 2010
Tampa Bay - Saltwater Fishing Report
Anna Maria December Fishing Report
The weather might be kind of cool, but that's not the case when it comes to the fishing here off the Island of Anna Maria. I always enjoy this time of year and fishing around the first few cold fronts because it always makes for great fishing. A lot of people think the cold days are not as good as the warmer ones in the winter, but that simply couldn't be any farther from the truth. I personally prefer the cooler days in the winter. Yes some of the more tropical species metabolism, like Snook, slows down and they don't eat as much, but many of the other fish like Redfish, Trout, Black Drum, Flounder, and Sheepshead, the cold water in the 50s has little effect on whether or not they are hungry. So when it gets cold these guys are still hungry. The plus is the colder it gets the more and tighter the fish school up, and then compound that with low winter tides equals some really large schools of fish all piled up in the same hole. Of course with this many fish all in one spot it can make for some very fast easy fishing.
This past week has been one of those weeks so far. Cold water temps, but good fishing. Yesterday we landed 64 Redfish along with Trout, Black Drum, Flounder and Sheepshead. We have been catching at least 25 Reds a day, lot of smaller ones, but some nice keepers too.
Red fishing is good and should be good though the winter. The Black Drum fishing is good and should get even better as the water cools more.
There is some nice Sheepshead around and the larger ones should move in and continue to get stronger till February. Believe me a 6 or 7 pound Sheepshead is a lot of fun on light tackle and are really good to eat.
Trout fishing is good though they are catch and release till the season reopens Jan 1st. There is also some nice Flounder mixed in with our catch and that should remain the same throughout the winter months.
Pompano fishing is fair at the moment, I have not been targeting them myself, but if it picks up a little more as we get into our winter months I look forward to catching them. They are an awesome target when the action is fast.
I had been catching a lot of Grouper before the last cold snap in close in the bay. I have not targeted them since because the backwater fishing has been so good. Maybe I will give them a try this week if I find a lull in the fishing at some point.
Well that's my report and it's a great time to be on the water if you like a lot of action. I have a few days open around the holidays if anyone is interest. Also if you are interested in a gift certificate it's getting close to Christmas.
Good luck on the water and happy holidays.
Capt. Matt Ercoli
941-447-9888
www.CaptainMatt.com
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