Happy Fishing! Here is this weekend's Big Bend fishing report
What a great weekend to catch up on inside duties. If you’re reading this before the sun goes down today, and you have a boat that maybe stored outside, be sure to tilt the motor all the way down and drain the water out of the lower unit. Also, pull the plug or plugs, just in case.
This freeze could be one of the worst in 4 years they say. Don’t take any chances.
For those of you brave, diehards or both, better dress appropriately. Daytime highs will feel like you’re standing in the cooler at your favorite convenience store.
Usually when we talk clothing, we refer to layers in Florida. Not the case this Saturday. An extra heavy jacket may come off but that will probably be the extent if you spend any amount of time outdoors.
Hunters will be happy. That camo down jacket bought years back will finally come in handy. And gloves, be sure to have something on your hands. Frostbite is no joke.
Leave the deck shoes and flip flops in the closet or on the rack. No need to tease your feet. Heavy socks and boots will make you a happy person come 10:00am.
Sunday will be a tad better. It finally warms into the 60’s Monday or Tuesday but water temperatures will have fallen into the low 60’s or worse. Because of this, there’s no better way to be prepared on a boat than wearing a PFD (life jacket).
No reason to become a statistic. Hypothermia sets in quickly in 50 degree water. Your body gets so cold, you become numb. Loss of mobility and strength will make it difficult to climb back in a boat, kayak or other watercraft.
If you’re by yourself and you find wearing a life jacket to bulky or cumbersome, there’s no better time to purchase an auto-inflatable PFD. For less than $100 you could find yourself fishing again. You just never know.
On a brighter note, we’re about 7 weeks from the first day of Spring. Where days are longer, the sun is brighter and the flip flops are the norm again.
APALACHEE BAY
Otto Hough (myhometownfishing.com) says,” It appears the Fat Mouth Gods of Fishing aren't wanting to cut weekend anglers many breaks this month. Over these next three days, anglers will encounter another arctic blast early Saturday morning pushing across the waters of the Big Bend while bringing elevated winds out of the northwest. The strong northerly winds Saturday and Sunday will also serve to suck a whole lot of water out of the creeks and rivers during the pre-sunrise negative low tides.
"Friday, with decent conditions along with the water levels being extremely low, those holes and cuts in the rivers will be prime locations to target the trout and reds. Given the already really cold waters in the river mouths, most of the quality trout are being caught on slow sinking soft and hard baits well up the rivers. Much to the delight of kayakers, reds are being taken up the Wakulla just below the lower bridge at US98 and in the St. Marks river just below Newport. Up the St. Marks good trout being taken near the Power Plant, making for easy fishing for those kayaking too. East to the Aucilla, from the Mandalay ramp south to the island just before West Cutover both trout and reds are providing good tugs on the line. They are really liking the slowing traditional Mirrolure and Heavy Dine offerings, both in the 808 color pattern.
"The one big aggravation when trying to fish the rivers this Saturday and Sunday will be the winds blowing almost straight down the main runs in each of the rivers. Saturday will be very challenging day to all trying to find a honey hole out of the wind. Sunday, expect coldest morning of 2022. It will most definitely be advisable to layer up well while also wearing a Mustang or Stearns or similar survival jacket when on the water. During the brutally cold winter stretches like the one predicted to arrive this Saturday morning, I swear by the extra warmth provided by a bomber style survival jacket. Above all else, take time to check the most up-to-date NWS Marine Forecast before dropping in the hole, especially so Saturday and dress accordingly. Boat wisely and safely. Just FISH!!"
ST GEORGE ISLAND
Captain Russ Knapp (850-653-5072) reports, “Well folks, it looks like the Artic is going to pay us a visit Friday night and bring some pretty strong breezes with the forecast for winds blowing NW 20 to 25 knots and gusts to gale force.
"The wind combined with a high temperature of 45 F Saturday definitely looks like a great day to put another log on the fire and stay off the water. Sunday is a little better with winds N 10 knots and high temperature of 51 F but that's still pretty chilly.
"In the bay, Capt. Jeremy Willoughby (850 323 0769) and his charters have braved the elements and been rewarded with some nice Redfish, Specked Trout and Sheepshead all caught in the Cut. Capt. Jeremy says try and catch an incoming tide and fish with live or fresh Shrimp.
"With this week's cold front sure to drop the water temperature the Reds and Trout may or may not still be in the Cut so you're just going to have fish and it and see what bites. The good news is the Sheepshead bite should be good in the Cut and around the bridge pilings and they make a great dinner so all is not lost.
"Offshore, things are a bit of unknown because honestly nobody is very excited about an hour or longer boat ride this time of year. Capt. Clint Taylor (850 370 6631) suggests it's a great time of year to check all your safety gear. Flares for expiration date, fire extinguisher for condition and pressure, first aid kit for stock and PFD's for condition.
"Tip of the week. Always check the expiration date on new flares BEFORE purchase as I've found them out of date and still on the shelf in a store before."
MEXICO BEACH
Captain Kevin Lanier, (KC Sportfishing 850-933-8804) reports, “Weather is the controlling factor on fishing this week. On days we can get out the inshore fishery has produced a lot of fish. Incoming tide is the best. Live bait is catching the Reds and Trout while cut bait will take the rest. With this cold weather look for the deeper channels. Seems like the fish will hold on the deep side of the edges.
"We are starting to see Pompano showing up around the same areas. They should be roaming the beaches as well. It has been interesting to see a few Gulf Sturgeon as well. These magnificent creatures look almost prehistoric. They must be released if caught.
"Hopefully we will get some offshore opportunities when we spool back up in February. These weather fronts have been brutal on the offshore fishery. Check us out over at KCsportfishing.com. We are running a winter fishing special during February."
BIG BEND RIVERS
Capt. Randy Peart (captpeart@yahoo.com) says,”Water temperature was 49 degrees in the Ochlocknee River this week, but lots of small Bass biting in the afternoon on small Spinnerbaits. Black was the best color. Some nice trout and a few Reds are being caught in the lower St Marks on live shrimp and shallow running plugs. Once again the afternoon bite is best when the water warms up a little.
LAKE SEMINOLE
Capt. Paul Tyre reports, "Winter has finally arrived in North Florida/South GA. Water temps have dropped into the upper 40's, low 50's. The Flint and Chattahoochee river arms have a heavy stain, while parts of Spring Creek remain fairly clear.
Bass fishing has been good despite colder temperatures. Lipless crank baits and vibrating jigs are most productive. As water temps stabilize in February, bass fishing will be excellent in pre-spawn areas.
Crappie on Lake Seminole have been scattered the last couple of weeks but we are seeing them moving back into deeper areas with the colder water temperatures. I have had several trips this week and we have caught some BIG Crappie!
For an exciting Lake Seminole Fishing Adventure for Crappie and or Bass fishing, email us @lakeseminolefishingadventures@gmail.com or follow us on Instagram @Capt.paultyrefishing and Facebook @lakeseminolefishingadventures!
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Happy Fishing! Here is this weekend's Big Bend fishing report
