Catching redfish (red drum) in Southwest Florida (SWFL) during the winter months can be both rewarding and challenging. The cooler water temperatures cause redfish to behave differently, so it’s essential to know the best places and methods to increase your chances of a successful outing. Here’s a comprehensive guide:
Best Places to Catch Redfish in Winter SWFL
- **Mangroves and Estuaries:**
Location:** Look for shallow mangrove areas where redfish tend to congregate during colder months.
Why: Mangroves provide shelter and food, making them ideal winter habitats.
- **Grass Flats:**
Location:** Target grass flats near deeper channels and drop-offs, particularly in areas with seagrass.
Why:** Redfish often hunt for baitfish and crustaceans in these areas.
- **Inshore Bridges and Docks:**
Location:** Cast near bridge pilings and under docks in the warmer waters near the structures.
Why:** These areas provide cover and attract bait, drawing redfish close.
- **Creeks and Tidal Pools:**
Location:** During low tide, target smaller creeks and tidal pools as fish are concentrated in these areas.
Why:** As the water recedes, redfish are often trapped in these smaller areas, making them easier to catch.
- **Barrier Islands and Lee Shores:**
Location:** Fish areas where the current is reduced, such as the leeward sides of barrier islands.
Why:** These sections usually have calmer waters that can hold schools of redfish.
### **Best Methods for Catching Redfish in Winter**
- **Live Bait Fishing:**
Bait:** Use live shrimp, pinfish, or mullet.
Technique:** Fish the bait under a popping cork or free-line it near structures or grass beds.
- **Artificial Lures:**
Types:** Use soft plastics (such as swimbaits or jerkbaits) in natural colors (e.g., root beer, coyote).
Technique:** Retrieve slowly with occasional pauses to mimic injured prey. Topwater lures can also be effective during warmer days.
- **Popping Corks:**
Use:** Pair live bait with a popping cork to create noise and attract fish.
Technique: ** Work the bait at varying depths, as redfish may be holding higher in the water column on warmer days.
- **Bottom Fishing:**
Technique:** Use weighted rigs to fish on the bottom with cut bait or dead bait, especially in channels where redfish may be foraging.
- **Fly Fishing:**
Lures:** Use crab patterns, baitfish imitations, or shrimp flies in natural colors for targeting redfish.
Technique:** Sight fishing in shallow waters can be particularly effective.
### **Additional Tips:**
- **Water Temperature:** Focus your fishing around periods when the water temperature is on the rise, especially during sunny days.
- **Check Tides:** Fish moving tides, particularly during an outgoing tide when fish are more likely to be active.
- **Patience and Mobility:** Move around and be patient; locate fish by observing birds or baitfish activity.
- **Local Regulations:** Be mindful of local fishing regulations, including size and bag limits for redfish.
- **Gear:** Use medium to medium-heavy spinning gear with a 10-20 lb test line, complemented by a leader (20-30 lb fluorocarbon).
By using these strategies and understanding the fish’s behavior in the winter months, you can increase your chances of a successful redfish outing in Southwest Florida. Happy fishing!
Pic: courtesy of journey south outfitters.
