During the winter months when the water is cold you may keep hearing reoccurring themes in conversations regarding the use of live shrimp and fishing residential canals.  These are techniques that are generally only used this time of year for very specific reasons.  First, many of the baitfish that typically populate our inshore waters leave.  Our resident game fish loose interest in feeding on anything that moves quickly because of their reduced metabolism in the colder temperatures.  So, their attention turns to crustaceans, and shrimp happen to be one of their favorites.  Live shrimp also happen to be the easiest for us to acquire with a quick stop at a local bait shop.  Small crabs, oysters, and barnacles are also highly effective, but more labor intensive on our end to gather.  The second part of the equation is the numerous residential canals throughout the bay area.  These canals tend to have warmer water because of the sunlight radiating off the seawalls.  Darker mud bottom found in many canals also helps in retaining the heat.  Dock structures themselves provide cover from larger predators such as dolphins and also create ambush points for the fish we seek.  Common catches in residential canals right now include sheepshead, redfish, snook, trout, snapper, flounder, and groupers of various sizes.  When fishing in canals remember that you are in someone else’s back yard so to speak.  While you have every right to be there, be respectful of the homeowners and show a little courtesy.

CapMel Staff
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