THE
Fish
Whisperer
Jan. Fishing Forecast
14 TYBEE BEACHCOMBER | JAN 2020
Captain
Nick Shreves
INSHORE
Inshore fishing will be the tough now that our water temp is in the 50s. The
Speckled Sea Trout should be holding up deep, waiting to ambush any fish
or Shrimp that may come down the creeks and rivers. Finding the schools
are the key. I tend to troll for them this time of year with half ounce jigs
and gulp swimming mullet. When I say troll, I mean move just fast enough
to keep the bait in the prime zone and not coming up above 6 to 8 feet of
water. Once you find the school, anchor up and wear them out. The Redfish
will be way up creeks or up shallow on the mud flats where they can stay
away from the Dolphins. Look for them to be sunning themselves on the
mud flats at low tide on those warm sunny days. I have already found a
few very large schools in the area and it has been a blast just to watch the
Redfish roll and chase the Shrimp. For a good bet this time of year, target
Sheepshead with Fiddler Crabs. These fish will be around any submerged
structure including oyster rakes.
NEAR SHORE
Nearshore fishing has been pretty good. The Black Sea Bass are getting
bigger in the 40 to 50 ft. of water range. Cut Squid and cut bait are top
choices for this plentiful fish. Sheepshead will also be hanging out in the
same spots. Just like inshore, they love the Fiddler Crabs, but the Black
Sea Bass will be eating the crabs up as well, so make sure you bring plenty
of bait. I tend to have about 100 per person; nothing worse than running
out in the middle of a good bite. We also are catching lots of Black Drum to
round out the fish box and to provide plenty of meat. A few Summer Trout
will be around as well.
OFFSHORE
Offshore fishing has remained good. Just remember that Grouper are
now closed and cannot be kept. Vermillion Snapper are open and they are
plentiful as well. Just like most bottom fish, Squid and cut bait work great.
The stream is producing Blackfin Tuna, Amberjack and Barracuda; check
the big structures and ledges. Fish are looking to eat anything they can
get. I personally feel this is the best time of year to find those big Wahoo to
fill the box. For Wahoo, the new and full Moons tend to be the best chances
of finding them. Right around dawn and dusk are the prime times. Leave
early and be willing to stay late.
Happy New Year everyone! 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.