Steinhatchee to Hernando Beach

Includes Steinhatchee, Horseshoe Beach, Suwannee, Cedar Key, Waccasassa Bay, Yankeetown, Crystal River and Homosassa.

Nov. 14-17

BB

Cold Weather Lures

There’s a big difference between ‘cold weather’ fishing and ‘cold water’ fishing. This is the time of year we get a few ‘cold snaps’, many of which make it uncomfortable for anglers, but don’t lower the water temperature enough to really affect the activity level of fish species. The last few weeks have been good examples. Morning low temperatures in the 40’s all along the Big Bend have been the rule, and most of those cold mornings have led to afternoons in the 70’s or even the 80’s. And, with water more dense (and slower to cool) than the air, those temperatures haven’t necessarily made it to ‘cold’ yet. So—you may freeze your butt off, but the fish still think it’s relatively warm.

To me, 62-degrees (Fahrenheit) is the magic temperature for fish to really get sluggish and lethargic. Sure, you’ll find those temperatures this time of year in depths greater than 4-feet, and there will be little change during the day. However, if you fish shallow, you may find cold water along shorelines and in creek mouths during the early mornings, but as the sun warms the rocks and mud bottoms, temperatures my rise to almost 70 degrees by mid-afternoon. Of course, sunlight is a HUGE factor--No radiant heat from Mr. Sun equals dopey fish. As the shallows heat up, look for mullet getting active and small schools of minnows around the shorelines. Also, look for the last of the pinfish around patches of still-green turtle and rock grass. Even reef species, like grouper, Florida snapper (pink mouth grunts) and black sea bass are likely to head towards shallower (30 feet rather than 50 feet) and slightly warmer waters.

Successful anglers usually have to reach pretty far down into their bag of tricks to fish this time of year—and need to use every ‘trick’ available. Fish may be inactive, and fall northwest winds may clear the water, making them exceptionally spooky.

Inshore anglers fishing very shallow will want to start the day with a slow-moving, life-like lure. Cold fish don’t move very fast and don’t want to go very far to catch a bite to eat. They may not even be hungry and just attack lures instinctively. Rattles help, as do softer bodies. Topwaters are not very good until the fish get active as the day warms. I’d suggest trying D.O.A. Bait Busters, MirrOlure Catch 2000’s, or Heddon Swim ‘n Image lures, as they can be worked slowly just under the surface and controlled enough to keep from snagging. As the day warms, you can get out the popping corks, Top Dogs or Super Spooks, but not until the water gets above about 68-degrees.

If you’re fishing somewhat deeper, possibly in rivers, sloughs or creek mouths (All of which are worth trying now to see if the trout and reds have headed that way.) fish some deeper-sinking lures like the MirrOlure TT, or jigs tipped with GULP! or live shrimp. Fish the deepest holes, and move the bait as slowly as you can.

I still recommend that offshore anglers troll while heading to their regular numbers to find new spots, even at this time of year. However, you’ll want to pull those Stretch 30’s slightly slower than in summer. Try 3 knots rather than 5. Also, your flat lines for kings (That you always put out when bottom fishing—right?) might prove more productive, as the surface temperature is generally warmer than the depths. If you bottom fish, pinfish are still the best bait and are still available from either your own traps or from marinas. However, if you get out early, you may want to put a chum bag down deep to get the ‘bite’ started.

This coming weekend calls for some rain and strong winds all along the Big Bend. Offshore enthusiasts might consider staying closer to home or going out with an inshore buddy. Inshore anglers can take advantage of the predicted north and northwest winds and make drifts close to shore and even into protected areas. There will be some very low mid-morning tides that will make access to the close-in shorelines difficult until early afternoon, but maybe the sun will come out by then. Getting out by 10AM might not be a bad suggestion for me to make!

Or…explore a ‘warmish’ deep creek or river. Here are a few options for your area:

Steinhatchee: The deep river hole just downstream from the Sea Hag Marina.

Horseshoe Beach: The deep channel between the rock jetties.

Suwannee: The north shore of the main river just west of the Miller’s Marina canal. Or…Dan May or Barnett Creek

Cedar Key: Any of the creeks to the north towards Shired Island, but be careful!

Yankeetown: Bounce ‘sweetened’ jigs off the bottom from Pats Elbow (upriver from marker 46) to the mouth of the river for big black drum.

Crystal River: Is it too early for the hot water discharge at the power plant? Or Kings Bay?

Homosassa: Try fishing along the rocky edges of the river, or plug around upriver near the big spring for a stray snook.

No matter where you fish, keep yourself warm and don’t worry if the fish get uncomfortable!

Capt. Tommy Thompson Inshore Light Tackle and Fly Fishing Steinhatchee, Florida (352) 284-1763 www.flanaturecoast.com/capttommy captain@twotree.net

By Capt. Tommy Thompson | http://www.flanaturecoast.com/capttommy/ | captain@twotree.net

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