Cold fronts are here and we always have to adjust to drops in water temperature and conditions. I’ve rescheduled the last couple days of fishing trips to allow the water to clear and the fish to acclimate to the sudden change. Certain species such as spotted sea trout acclimate quicker and become targets each year around this time. They are always a popular species in St. Joseph Sound due the large population of bigger fish that begin to inhabit the islands and flats from Clearwater to Tarpon Springs. However, even they can be shocked into a near hibernation with sudden falls of temperatures. Very slow presentations with artificial baits or live shrimp laid on the bottom in rocky areas can draw a few strikes on cold days. But one of the most tolerant species of quick temperature changes are sheepshead. Also called convicts, these black and white bait stealers are professionals at taking your shrimp in small bites right to the hook without getting caught. I hide a #1 hook in a piece of shrimp, then after casting out, waiting very patiently for a slight tug. Even then, counting to three before slowly tightening the line. They are great table fare and often get over looked. Plus, their human like teeth are extremely interesting to most people. In the winter months, redfish can also be caught as the day warms. Several fish are staging under the docks and near seawalls that attract warmth from the sun. I always look for deeper docks that have one or two more feet of depth than the surrounding area. Sometimes one mangrove overhang or dock structure can hold as many as a dozen fish.  

Brian Caudill
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