With the recent cold front passing, redfish and trout can finally be expected to be in their “normal” January patterns. They will be focusing most of their attention on crabs and shrimp that dwell in the sand/mud. I personally like to throw flies that are tied on hooks no larger than a number #4. A tan and white clouser minnow is hard to beat this time of year. When providing action or stripping your fly, it is extremely important to work it slow, keeping it on the bottom.
Redfishing has been outstanding on the full and new moons around the negative low tides. When these extreme lows occur, it forces these fish off the flat and concentrates them in areas where they stage waiting for the tide to rise. It is not uncommon to come across a school in the hundreds.
Trout can be found mixed in with the redfish on the same flat. There is more of a presence of trout pushed up shallow after cold fronts pass due to the cool water temperatures. These fish can be very sensitive in shallow water, so it’s important to throw flies that are weightless when in a sight fishing situation.
Snook have made their way to the deep dark canals in search of warmth. Tampa Bay is great because we can target these fish just about year round. Fishing at night around the residential canals can be good when the water temperature is around the 70 degree mark. It is important to take care of these fish in the cooler water.
Warm water discharges can be productive when temperatures head south. You can expect to find everything from cobia, tarpon, snook, pompano, jacks, sharks, etc…