Afishionado Guide Services

DINNER!

Shrimp For The Win!

I always say, “Fish are Fickle.” That’s particularly true this time of year with the advent of a passing cold front every three to four days. One day the fish are active, the next day lethargic.

After a cold front, even when I take the time to catch scaled sardines before picking up my charter clients the fish barely responded to them. Fortunately, I always stop on my way to the boat ramp and buy some live shrimp for a backup. Having those shrimp aboard usually saves the day. At times like these, turning shrimp can make all the difference in the world. These hardy baits are appealing to game fish even when bait fish become scarce, dramatically increasing your chances of a successful catch.

Shrimp are known as the “Sara Lee” of baits. “Nobody doesn’t like a Sara Lee.” Snook, redfish, seatrout, sheepshead, and more love them. I could go on and on, but you get the picture. Not to sound like “Bubba” from the movie Forrest Gump, but you can catch fish with live shrimp, dead shrimp, frozen shrimp, or pieces of shrimp. “That’s, that’s about it!”

Additionally, crustaceans like shrimp are not only versatile but also resilient in colder water conditions, which makes them a reliable choice when other baits fail. Their natural scent and movement attract a wide variety of species, ensuring that anglers have a dependable option throughout fluctuating water temperatures.

If you like to fish with artificials or flies, shrimp imitations are the perfect cold weather bait. When making a presentation, the key to success is to work the fake bait slowly. I always remind people, “if you think you’re working it slow enough, slow it down even more.” Also, remember the fish you’re after are most likely in deep water, so let the bait sink before working it back to the boat. For you fly anglers, it’s best to use a sinking tip fly line to help keep the bait down in the water column.

Although, the sheepshead spawn doesn’t occur until late winter to early spring, primarily from February through April, they’re becoming more active. Cold water temperatures really turn sheepshead on, and they start to school up. As we move into the latter part of January, you’ll encounter more schools and larger specimens.

Key areas to target are rocky structures, bridge pilings, and docks where sheepshead tend to congregate during these colder months. Using shrimp around these areas can yield impressive results, especially as the fish grow more aggressive in anticipation of the spawning season. Patience and persistence are key, as sheepshead can be notorious bait stealers, but the payoff is well worth the effort.

As for terminal tackle, the lighter the better. When fishing during colder periods, it’s also beneficial to downsize. Due to the lack of rain, the water clarity is excellent in most of Tampa Bay right now. For that reason, I’ll drop down to 20lb. fluorocarbon leader and a 1/0 hook, especially when targeting sheepshead.

Lighter lines and smaller hooks can help present crustacean baits more naturally, leading to more strikes from wary fish. Adjust your approach based on water clarity and current conditions for the best results. When fishing structure where additional weight is needed, I’ll add just enough split shot to get the shrimp down to the fish.

Afishionado, “Adventures in Fishing.”

Afishionado.com

During their visit to Tampa for the National League of Cities, 2024 City Summit, attendees from Santa Clara, UT took the opportunity to experience some Tampa Bay flats fishing. (L-R) Brock, City Manager, Rick, Mayor and Ben, City Council enjoyed two separate days of non-stop snook and redfish action.

Needless to say, “They’re Hooked” and are looking forward to another adventure aboard Afishionado in the future.

Afishionado, “Adventures in Fishing.”

Afishionado.com

Excellent day on the flats!
Afishionado.com

Today, was a snook and redfish kind of a day!
Afishionado.com

The redfish and snook bite is on!
Afishionado.com

I don’t usually mix politics and fishing, but this November amendment 2, the right to fish and hunt is on the ballot. Even though it’s already a Florida statute, statutes can be changed or eliminated by the legislature without any vote from “We the People.” Voting yes on amendment 2, makes the right to fish and hunt a Florida constitutional right which is stronger than a statute. However, to be enacted the amendment has to be approved by greater than 60% of the electorate.

Don’t let anti-fishing and anti-hunting organizations potentially stand in your way of enjoying the great outdoors in the future, vote yes on amendment 2.

Please spread the word.

Thanks,

Wade Osborne

Tampa Bay Inshore Fishing Charter & Guided Fishing Tours Florida Tampa Bay Area Charter Fishing Guide Services with Captain Wade Osborne. Fishing for Snook, Redfish, and Trout. Offering Half, Three Quarter and full day charters in Tampa/St. Petersburg.

Shorter days, and slightly cooler water temperatures have the snook and redfish feeding heavily.
Afishionado.com