By Neil Taylor, www.strikethreekayakfishing.com
The weather has been difficult. But for the die-hard anglers, the south shore has had better results than most other areas. Other locations January has been mostly dreadful. Just a little bit farther south, a little bit happier fish. Not all the time, because they have been inactive the past couple of days even down here. But overall: Just a tad better than everywhere else.
Good redfish opportunities exist but you have to find them. Not easy anymore. Better than the last three years, still not stellar. This is not like spring, summer or fall. The food sources change and so do the location of all predators. Redfish are like cattle and seek out areas that have substantial food to eat. My recommendation: Be ready to move. If you are fishing locations you like the rest of the year and things aren’t happening, break out of that mold.
January: Sheepshead are an option. Live bait required, something I just don’t go for regularly. Sheepshead, dipped in egg, dipped in flour and thrown in hot oil are worth getting.
Mackerel: Possible. Try the Skyway bridges or other deep water with high current.
In a battle that is never really over: The great work of FWC officers to target felony netters and keep an eye on other recreational offenders has led to better fishing for us all. Their continued efforts to catch felony netters are making the south shore region return as a great fishery again. But help them out: Keep your eyes peeled for illegal activity and make a call if you see poaching, 888-404-FWCC (3922). Your tips will help make cases and you could be eligible for a reward. The fishery survives the pressure of poaching, a lot of anglers and just continues to be a great location to go.
As always: Be careful out there!
Neil Taylor
www.strikethreekayakfishing.com
(Cell) 727-692-6345
LivelyBaits@aol.com
- The Neil Blog… - July 26, 2023
- The Catfish - July 26, 2023
- update - July 22, 2023
