The year is 2021 and as we reminisce about the 2020 fishing season it’s exciting to think what new memories we will make this year! Many of us went through it last year, but the fish did not skip a beat. That’s the beauty about nature, it doesn't care who's in office, your race or if you're a millionaire it treats us all the same! Let's get into our fishing report.
Starting of the year with one of the coldest winters I can remember here in Tampa Bay. With several nights of temps in the 30’s and 40’s the water temperature inside Tampa reached the low 60’s. Luckily, we were still able to fish! Negative tides and North winds create great opportunities for anglers in the winter you just have to know what to look for. Rivers, creeks, residential canals, warm water outflows all will hold fish. Areas with muddy bottom and oyster bars hold heat making them spots where fish migrate during the winter.
Now even though we were able to catch live bait that didn't mean that the fish were going to eat it. During this time I referred to my shorts theory, which is very simple, if I walk out of my house at 6am in shorts and I have to walk back in to put on pants I will be stopping by the Gandy Bait & Tackle Shop to pick up 10 Dozen shrimp for my charter. It's a theory that has been proven again and again over the years. Typically at that point the water temperature is below 65 degrees and the shrimp bite is going to be better.
The Trout and Sheepshead bite has been on fire in December and early January. Using a live shrimp with a #1 live bait hook, 20 lbs leader, and a small split shot has been the go to. Trout have averaged from 15”-18”’s with a few over 20”’s. Trout remain catch and release in our area so make sure to practice proper release techniques. For the Sheepshead you can use the same tackle but depending on the depth that you are fishing you can use a ⅜ ounce or ½ ounce jig head to work the bottom.
As we head into February we can expect a warming trend and that’s only going to fire up the Snook and Redfish bite! Can't wait! Also, cant forget about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers! Super excited on the season and now they get to play in Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium! Go Bucs we are cheering for you!
Signing off till our next fishing report,
Inshore Society