THE
Fish
Whisperer
Dec. Fishing Forecast
14 TYBEE BEACHCOMBER | DEC 2019
Captain
Nick Shreves
PIER FISHING
Now is when we see a decline in the number of fish caught off the pier.
The water has begun to cool fast and the majority of the fish have moved
south. For those still looking to soak some bait, you still have a chance. I
have seen Dogfish, Skates, Sheepshead, Whiting, the rare Bull Red Drum
and Black Drum bite this time of year. For the Dogfish and Red Drum, cut
bait or whole fish, such as Mullet, are the best baits. For Whiting, Black
Drum and Skates, Shrimp is always the best choice. Sheepshead are all
about Fiddlers, so make sure you have plenty, they will steal your bait.
INSHORE
Now this bite all depends on how the weather is. In December we are
known for being 80 one day and 30 the next day. This can make the
inshore tough to figure out. The Trout will still be feeding but look in the
deeper holes near the current rips off the Oyster rakes. To find the larger
schools, some will troll jigs for the Speckled Sea Trout. Mud Minnows and
jigs fished real slow tend to catch me more fish than anything else. For
Redfish, I use the same baits but fish the mud flats around the low tide on
the warmest day I can. These fish will be hiding from the Dolphin, so find
areas where they can’t get to. Sheepshead are around as well, so look
around every bridge or dock. These are fun fish to catch and land. They will
put your line to the test on every bite. Fiddler crabs fished on a Carolina rig
right next to the structure will produce the bites.
NEAR SHORE
This time of year is all about the big Black Sea Bass. You’ve got to head
out to 55 to 65 feet of water and you will find the big boys. These fish will
make for some fine eating as well. Squid has got to be the number one
bait and the local bait shop has plenty. While you’re catching Sea Bass, you
may also catch lots of Grunts, Porgies and maybe a few Flounder. The Bull
Red Drum are on the reefs as well right now. Sheepshead have started to
move out to the reefs as well. Lots of Black Drum are on the reefs and can
be caught with Shrimp or Fiddlers.
OFFSHORE
Out here the Bottom bite is still great, but fish like Vermillion Snapper are
closed till January. This time of year the big Wahoo and Blackfin Tuna,
along with a stray Yellowfin Tuna, can be caught off our coast out in the
stream. I know it’s a long run but you may catch the fish of a lifetime.
Thank you all for the support and hope you all have tight lines and full
fish boxes. To join me on a fishing trip, call me at Big Fish Charters
(912) 230-4625.