Skyway Bait and Tackle

Welcome back to the Skyway Bait Weekend Fishing Report. Our Captains and Crew are here to report what’s biting out there, and how to Catch More Fish!

INSHORE:

Captain Griffin Deans from Slot Machine Fishing Charters reports our coldest day of the year so far at thirty-eight degrees. We have seen a drastic drop in water temperatures, which can turn the bite off due to temperature-sensitive fish needing to go deeper for survival purposes. With a hot bite right up to the cold front, we expect warmer winter temperatures to bring the bite right back. We are currently catching all inshore species including:

Snook
Red Drum
Sheepshead
Black Drum

Thankfully cold temperatures don’t last long in our temperate climate, and we expect to see similar fish and a hot bite in the warmer week to come.

INSHORE KAYAKING:

Captain Erik Stevens from FishLikeUs.com is running Hobie kayak charters inshore and is having similar results to the weekend fishing report above.  There are good-sized Sheepshead and Mangrove Snapper in the bay still, and we’re seeing plenty of large Redfish along the mangrove lines.

It’s important to watch the weather closely during the winter months and prepare for the cold by wearing layers, and maybe even a wet suit if you have one. This not only keeps your body warm above the water but in the water when those moments arise. Although the temperatures are cold, being able to tuck up against the land provides beautiful wind shadows and some warmer fishing temperatures in the heat of the day. Remember to fish respectfully around docks and know your surroundings during tide changes in the mangroves.

OFFSHORE:

Reports of Hogfish and Tripletail, along with some continuation of Spanish Mackerel and Tuna, are being caught offshore. Flat lines are also still producing Cobia and Mahi on the surface.

BAIT:

Shrimp and/or frozen bait tend to be the best go-to winter bait due to their versatility. With fluctuating water temperatures and a variety of species, they are a safe bet for catching.

At Skyway Bait & Tackle, we have spent years procuring the liveliest bait around and are offering specials on the dozen every weekend.

If you’re using live shrimp, use small hooks so the shrimp can retain the most lifelike movement in the water. Remember, the fish are lazy when it’s cold, so you’ll need to site fish or get right upon them to catch.

SHOP & CREW

We have a new crew member here at Skyway Bait, so stop by to meet her during the week. Marlene has been hard at work sprucing things up when she’s not out fishing herself, and we’ve caught a variety of fish between us in our immediate vicinity including:

Snook
Redfish
Black Drum
Sheepshead
Sea Trout
Pompano
Panfish
Spadefish
Mullet
Spanish Mackerel

We look forward to reporting more next week as the wind and waters warm. We will see fluctuating temperatures and are grateful in the meantime for the hardy fish that stick around.

Please check in on our Facebook page for our weekend fishing report, sales and updates along with community events around fishing.

At Skyway Bait and Tackle, we aim to be the place you go for what you need and are always grateful for your business.

Catch More Fish!