Change in fishing tactics for winter fishing?

[hector_750]

This will be my first winter saltwater fishing, really enjoyed it all summer around Ft. Desoto targeting reds,snook and trout! Is there a big change in the way I should fish for these same species during the colder months?? Thanks in Advance!

[DaveR]

The lower water levels and cleaner water make sight fishing easier. It also affords you the opportunity to study the terrain that is most often under a foot or two of water in the summer. You will have a shot at some big trout now. Some approaching 30"s. Pleas put the big girls back.
Look for those morning low tides and calmer winds to try and find tailing redfish. Once you hook your first one you'll become addicted.

[hector_750]

Thanks for the tip, really appreciate it.! I need all the help and advice I can get when it comes to saltwater fishing! Hopefully I can join some of you guys out on the water!

[John]

Slower presentations
Lighter leader (when Snook are not likely)
Dark bottom (warmer) darker lure colors
Creeks and Rivers
Deep holes


Some of the things I focus on during winter

[DaveR]

John is right. For a change of pace explore the area's rivers. Many big snook will winter in them. That is not the place for light leader however. 30lb or even 40. If not fly fishing I almost exclusively use a small plastic on a jig head. I have caught most of my big snook in rivers.

[krash]

I usually just break out the long sleeve shirt

[sfurman]

All that plus smaller baits too. Fish are cold blooded and will feed when it is cold but, will exert less effort to catch food and it costs them energy to digest a large meal. Smaller bait worked at a slower pace will be more attractive.

Good Luck.

[rich]

Main thing to remember is slow it down if you think you are going slow enough slow it down some more. I like to dead stick top water plugs walking the dog side to side real slow.

[hector_750]

That is some useful stuff, thank you all very much, I like using live bait so I will go smaller and slower!(that's what she said)

[John]

Don't dismiss big baits completely - winter is big trout time and they love a large topwater. Also if your fishing docks and structure a shrimp pattern dragged along the bottom can be very effective.

[hector_750]

Anything out on the beach this time of year??