Let’s look at Winter Fishing from a tactical perspective.
During winter, bait fish will be slow moving due to the colder water temperatures. Your presentation should also be slow and sometimes even stagnate! (Slow rod movements and slower retrieves will do the trick)
Warming of water occurs on the flats. Wind and tides or currents will move this warm water. Pay attention to your particular area – where is the warmer water and it is moving? Moving water is critical. A falling or rising tide will always be more productive with regard to fishing when compared to very little tide movements.
Shrimp Migrations -- You most likely won’t find live shrimp in the wintertime. Therefore, you will have to go to artificials. Suspending baits and soft plastics will work great. Suspending hard plugs and soft plugs will require a very slow twitch and drag thru the water. Soft plastics are often called “tails”. Rigged weed-less, they are very effective baits. In reality, Paddle tails are my favorite. They are easy to control, cast very well and appear live even with a steady retrieve. You can change the weight of the jig and control the water depth you work. Keep in mind, soft entries into the water can avoid spooking your fish. Also, they fly very well, even with strong winds. Remember, move them slow for the Winter Bite.
Okay let’s get back to winter, during winter months; winds can cause water conditions to be even shallower than normal. To survive, game fish will search for deeper water, 2-3 feet or even up to 5 feet. They will find natural bayous and channels. Deeper water also offers a more consistent temperature throughout the year. During really cold weather, channels offer warmer, safer water for a fish’s cold-blooded system.
Also, structures, such as a cement columns or dam, will absorb sunlight and that heat will be transferred to the water that comes in contact with the structure. Rock pilings also emit this same heat transfer phenomenon. Bait fish also congregate near these structures and eat algae. Game fish are drawn to areas where conditions are favorable/comfortable and…….a food source is available.
Red fish often will partially bury themselves in the mud, since it too absorbs heat energy.
Remember, Pipelines and Gas Wellheads create an artificial reef. They also can radiate heat into the water. Barnacles and other crustaceans grow on it and bait fish hide on the leeward side of the structure. As the current hits the structure, it will create a low-current phenomenon on the back side of the structure. Bait fish often hang in this low-current area since it requires less energy to stay there. Position your bait on the down current side of the structure since it is likely to be the highest probability area.
During Winter-----Surface water is chilled by the air temperature and therefore it becomes more… dense. As this occurs, it sinks in the water column. As it sinks, it lowers the water temperature of the deeper water. In shallower water, this occurs very quickly and to a larger degree.
-In winter months, when air temperatures are colder and water temperatures are lower, a game fish’s metabolism slows down.
-What happens when metabolism is slower? Fish become more lethargic because: 1--They conserve energy
2--Eat less often and 3--They migrate to the warmest water for comfort.
Also, don’t forget to wear layers and take the big coat too.
Thanks for your time today and I’ll see you on the water.
Dave
