Winter fishing in Clearwater and Dunedin
We left the docks around 8:30 am and headed north of St. Joseph Sound in Dunedin. It was low tide at 9 am and I wanted to check out some deep holes back in the mangrove cuts. A cold front just passed and Florida’s winter chill was in the air.
At our first location, we started throwing jigs with plastic tails into the cool water and immediately caught trout 18 to 20 inches. There were lots of lady fish mixed into the action. Our second spot produced similar results with the addition of a couple blue fish. Old man winter is here in the Tampa Bay fishing area and there is plenty of action to be had.
This time of year, late December, January and February, the low tides create an excellent opportunity to find fish in the Clearwater fishing area. Cold fronts will push through every week or two and sometimes even twice a week. These weather conditions will produce extreme low tides especially around a new or full moon. The strong northwest and northeast winds push a lot of water out of the bay and expose grassy bottoms and oyster beds in the back waters, canals and mangrove cuts. The deeper holes adjacent to these high and dry areas may be holding lots of fish.
A few days before our typical cold front arrives, the winds will increase and start blowing from the south and southwest. As the front gets closer, the temperature will increase, the SW winds will be around 15 to 20 mph and the pressure starts dropping. Fish will start feeding and catching will pick up during these conditions.
As soon as the front hits, strong winds switch from the west and it usually rains. As the front passes, the winds turn northwest, barometric pressure increases and the temperature will start dropping.
The first day after a cold front passes is usually not a good day to fish. Winds are still blowing 20+ mph out of the northwest, the bay water is awfully dirty and the barometric pressure is very high. Also, the seasonably cold air will drastically drop the water temperature 10 or so degrees. This scenario totally shuts down the fishing and their environment. Wait a day or two, then start fishing again.
Next area we targeted had residential docks on one side and exposed grass flats on the other. We idled into the canal as far as we could and drifted out. Our casting covered a lot of docks. We did see several snook hanging under the docks but they were not interested. This is typical when the water temps drop so fast.
Don't let the Florida cold fronts keep you high and dry. After the front passes, we usually have the best weather in the country. There is plenty of opportunity to get out and catch fish during the winter months.
February 2011 fishing forecast for Tampa Bay fishing and Clearwater fishing areas
I’ve started booking winter charters already so get on board, bring a jacket and let’s go catch some fish.
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