Winter Fishing In Tampa Bay

In-Season Fish Species in Tampa Bay During Winter

Winter in Tampa Bay brings cooler water temperatures (62°F to 72°F), prompting fish to seek thermal refuges like deep channels, rivers, and structure while still feeding to maintain energy. Below are the prime species to target:

• Snook (Centropomus undecimalis)
  Snook retreat to warmer waters like rivers, canals, and deep channels, feeding opportunistically during warmer spells.
• Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus)
  Redfish remain active, schooling on flats during warm days or holding in deeper holes and canals when temperatures drop.
• Spotted Seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus)
  Seatrout congregate in deeper potholes, channels, and river mouths, feeding actively despite cooler waters.
• Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus)
  Winter is peak season for sheepshead, which gather around docks, pilings, and reefs to feed and spawn.
• Black Drum (Pogonias cromis)
  Black drum, often found near bridges and oyster bars, become more active in winter, targeting crustaceans.
• Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus)
  Spanish mackerel linger in nearshore waters, chasing baitfish around reefs and piers, though in smaller numbers than fall.

Optimal Fishing Techniques and Bait for Each Species

Winter’s cooler waters require slower presentations and a focus on deeper or warmer habitats. Here’s a detailed guide to techniques and baits for each species:

1. Snook

• Techniques: Target snook in deep channels, rivers (e.g., Little Manatee River), or near power plant outflows where water is warmer. Slow presentations are key, as snook are less active in cold water. Drift live bait or cast slow-sinking lures near structure like docks or mangroves. Fish during midday warm-ups for best results.
• Bait: Live shrimp, pinfish, or small pilchards are effective. Artificials like soft plastic jerkbaits (e.g., DOA Shrimp, Fluke-style lures) or suspending plugs (e.g., MirrOlure MirrOdine) work when twitched slowly. Natural or dark colors mimic winter prey.
• Tackle: Medium-heavy spinning gear with 20–30 lb braided line and a 30–40 lb fluorocarbon leader. A 7–7.5 ft rod offers precision for structure fishing.

2. Redfish

• Techniques: On warm, sunny days, fish shallow flats for schooling redfish using a trolling motor or push pole to avoid spooking them. In colder conditions, target deeper holes, canals, or oyster bars. Slow-drift cut bait or jig soft plastics along the bottom to entice lethargic fish.
• Bait: Live shrimp or cut mullet are top choices. Soft plastics like Z-Man PaddlerZ or weedless spoons (e.g., Johnson Silver Minnow) on a 1/4 oz jig head work in grassy or muddy areas. Dark colors like root beer or black excel in murky water.
• Tackle: Medium spinning gear with 15–20 lb braid and a 20–30 lb fluorocarbon leader. Use 2/0–4/0 circle hooks for live or cut bait.

3. Spotted Seatrout

• Techniques: Focus on deeper potholes (4–8 ft) on grass flats, river mouths, or channels where seatrout seek warmth. Drift with live bait under a popping cork or jig soft plastics slowly along the bottom. Target transitions between sand and grass for feeding fish.
• Bait: Live shrimp or small pilchards under a popping cork are highly effective. Soft plastics like Gulp! Shrimp or MirrOlure Lil John on a 1/8–1/4 oz jig head perform well. Glow or natural colors stand out in low-light conditions.
• Tackle: Light spinning gear with 10–15 lb braid and a 20 lb fluorocarbon leader. A 6.5–7 ft rod provides sensitivity for subtle bites.

4. Sheepshead

• Techniques: Fish vertically around docks, pilings, bridges (e.g., Skyway Bridge), or reefs using a knocker rig or dropper loop to keep bait near structure. Tap the structure lightly to dislodge crabs, triggering bites. Use minimal weight for a natural presentation.
• Bait: Fiddler crabs, live shrimp, or barnacles are ideal. Small pieces of oyster or clam can also work. Use 1/0–2/0 hooks to avoid detection by wary sheepshead.
• Tackle: Medium spinning gear with 15–20 lb braid and a 20 lb fluorocarbon leader. Small, strong hooks penetrate their tough mouths.

5. Black Drum

• Techniques: Target black drum near bridges, oyster bars, or deep channels with a bottom rig or knocker rig. Fish close to structure, as drum feed on crustaceans and mollusks. Slow presentations are key, as they move deliberately in cooler water.
• Bait: Live or dead shrimp, crabs, or cut clam are top choices. Heavy sinkers (1–2 oz) keep bait on the bottom in strong currents. Use 3/0–5/0 circle hooks for larger drum.
• Tackle: Medium-heavy spinning or conventional gear with 20–30 lb braid and a 30 lb fluorocarbon leader. A 7 ft rod handles strong fights.

6. Spanish Mackerel

• Techniques: Troll or cast to schools feeding near piers, reefs, or bait pods in nearshore waters (3–10 miles offshore). High-speed retrieves with shiny lures trigger strikes. Use a wire leader to prevent bite-offs. Chumming with live pilchards can hold schools nearby.
• Bait: Live pilchards or threadfins are effective, but silver spoons (e.g., Clark Spoon), Gotcha plugs, or straw jigs are practical for covering water. Chrome or white finishes attract attention.
• Tackle: Medium spinning gear with 15–20 lb braid and a 40 lb wire or fluorocarbon leader. Fast-action 7 ft rods aid quick casts.

Best Times of Day to Fish

Winter’s cooler temperatures and shorter days influence fish behavior, making strategic timing essential. Here’s when to fish:

• Midday (10 AM–3 PM): The warmest part of the day is often best, as rising water temperatures stimulate feeding. Snook, redfish, and seatrout move to flats or shallows during sunny afternoons, while sheepshead and drum remain active around structure.
• Early Afternoon to Dusk: As temperatures peak, fish feed actively, especially on incoming tides. Spanish mackerel hit hard nearshore, and inshore species like redfish and seatrout take advantage of warmer shallows. Dusk is productive for dock fishing.
• Tidal Movements: Incoming tides bring warmer water to flats, attracting predators. Outgoing tides concentrate fish in deeper channels or river mouths. Fish the warmest two hours of an incoming tide for flats or outgoing tide for structure. Winter’s moderate tides require precise timing—use apps like TideChart or Navionics.
• Avoid Early Morning (Dawn to 8 AM): Cold overnight temperatures slow fish metabolism, reducing early morning activity. If fishing at dawn, target deep channels or warm outflows where fish congregate.

Impact of Seasonal Weather Conditions

Winter in Tampa Bay brings mild but variable weather, with cold fronts, clear skies, and occasional rain. Adapting to these conditions is key to success.

Temperature and Water Conditions

• Air and Water Temperatures: Air temperatures range from 55°F to 75°F, with water temperatures of 62°F to 72°F. Fish seek warmer areas like deep channels, rivers, or sun-warmed flats. Baitfish like pilchards and shrimp remain present but are less abundant, concentrating predators around structure.
• Cold Fronts: Frequent cold fronts drop water temperatures by 5–10°F, pushing fish to deeper or warmer refuges. Pre-front falling pressure can spark feeding, while post-front high pressure slows bites. Fish docks, canals, or power plant outflows during fronts, using slow presentations.
• Clear Water: Winter’s reduced runoff and algae blooms result in clearer water, making fish warier. Use lighter leaders (20 lb fluorocarbon) and natural baits to avoid spooking them.

Wind and Tides

• Wind: Moderate winds (5–15 mph) from cold fronts create chop, which can mask angler presence and stimulate feeding. Strong winds (>20 mph) muddy flats or make boating challenging. Fish wind-protected shorelines or canals, leveraging drift techniques.
• Tides: Winter’s tides are less extreme than fall, but incoming tides warm flats, drawing fish to feed. Outgoing tides concentrate fish in deeper holes. Plan around tidal peaks using apps like Fishbrain or NOAA Tides.

Barometric Pressure

• Falling Pressure: Pre-front pressure drops trigger feeding, especially for snook and redfish. Use live bait or fast-moving lures to capitalize on these windows.
• High Pressure: Post-front high pressure can make fish sluggish. Target deeper waters or shaded structures with slow, bottom-oriented presentations.

Rain and Cloud Cover

• Rain: Light rain is less common in winter, but it can warm surface waters slightly, encouraging feeding. Heavy rain increases runoff, clouding inshore waters—shift to nearshore reefs or passes for clearer conditions.
• Cloud Cover: Overcast skies reduce water clarity but make fish less spooky, ideal for flats fishing. Sunny days warm shallows, drawing redfish and seatrout to feed.

Additional Tips for Winter Fishing Success

1. Scout Locations: Prime winter spots include the Alafia River for snook, Cockroach Bay for redfish, and the Skyway Bridge for sheepshead and drum. Use Navionics or Google Earth to find deep holes or warm outflows.
2. Match the Hatch: Mimic winter baitfish (shrimp, small pilchards) or crustaceans with lures or live bait. Slow presentations are critical, as fish are less aggressive.
3. Dress for Comfort: Winter mornings can be chilly (50s°F). Wear layers, waterproof boots, and polarized sunglasses to spot fish in clear water.
4. Follow Regulations: Adhere to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) rules—snook season is closed in winter, and seatrout have size and bag limits. Use circle hooks to reduce mortality and release trophy fish.
5. Hire a Guide: Charters like Capt. Dave Markett or Capt. Jason Dozier specialize in winter inshore and structure fishing, offering expertise for all skill levels.

Conclusion

Winter fishing in Tampa Bay offers a rewarding challenge, with snook, redfish, seatrout, sheepshead, black drum, and Spanish mackerel providing diverse opportunities. By targeting in-season species with slow, precise techniques, fishing during warmer midday hours, and adapting to winter’s weather shifts, anglers can unlock the bay’s potential. From stalking redfish on sun-warmed flats to battling sheepshead on docks, Tampa Bay’s winter fishery delivers excitement and variety. Bundle up, check the tides, and hit the water—your next catch awaits.