What a difference a few weeks makes! The beginning of January was marked with exceptionally cold weather and temperatures that dipped below freezing at times. Concerns about the health of our fish stocks grew with each passing day. However, by the middle of the month, temperatures consistently reached the 60s with many brilliantly sunny days. The fish really responded well to the improved conditions and fishing was excellent!

Anglers continue to pursue the large schools of redfish that have balled up as usual during this time of year. The sunny days created great sight fishing opportunities as fishermen stalked these schools that could numbers in the hundreds. Stealth is very important when trying to catch these fish that are already wary of dolphins. When fishing with artificial plastic lures, we’ve been favoring lighter colors that are easily visible in the clear waters that accompany the winter. Try casting to the edges of the schools first to avoid spooking them. Watching the mass of fish explode when you hook one is an amazing experience.

Perhaps you have considered learning how to fly fish. Right now there is a great incentive: it is one of the most effective ways to catch fish. Fly fishing allows anglers to make a delicate presentation and that is very important right now. Flies can be tied with both natural and artificial materials that can mimic a baitfish with fullness in texture that plastic lures simply can’t match. Like with the plastic lures, we are throwing flies that have lighter colors. You should also try flies with tones of bright gold and copper. If fish continue to refuse your fly, keep changing it until you find something that works.

You’ll see a lot of people throwing a fly rod out on the water these days. It does have its challenges relative to rods with conventional spinning reels. Wind becomes much more of a consideration and anglers must be in a position to not hook themselves (or the guide!) on their backcast. No longer can you just cast right at your target in a split second. It takes times to learn the dynamics of the cast but you’ll find that the effort hones your focus. You’ll spend more time reading the water and learning to see fish. Your effort will be well worth it, especially when you are clobbering the fish on days when other tactics won’t work.

Despite the season, you’ll be surprised how good the fishing can be this time of year. Most people have put up their gear until spring, which means you have the water to yourself and there is little fishing pressure from others. Toss in the chance to cast to giant schools of redfish and get outdoors and you have a recipe for a great day of fishing.

See you on the water!