Paying Dues

As mentioned by others fishing for big fish during the winter is a true test of your willpower and endurance. You must have a whole different mindset when targeting big trout during the wintry season. Bites frequently are few and far between and conditions are usually not very favorable or for the faint at heart. You have to mentally prepare yourself for these conditions to keep from losing faith in what you are trying to accomplish. At times it’s easy to become discouraged but you have to position yourself in high likelihood areas and remind yourself that any bite could possibly be the fish of a lifetime.

Paying your dues is about learning how every aspect (tide, wind, current, etc.) affects your fishing area and the fish that inhabit it. Also equally important is putting in your time on the water therefore increasing your chances at crossing paths with the fang-toothed leviathans of our inshore waters. Fish’s metabolism slows down this time of year and as a result they don’t feed as regularly compared to the warmer months. Slow and deliberate presentations have been the most effective.

I have made 11 different trips over the past 12 days with only one trip that the action was anywhere near steady. My buddies and I have had some tough days on the water which on occasion has been compounded by the weather and conditions. We have also made numerous night trips fishing in bitter conditions to help increase the odds of getting that big bite. We have had lots of short nights of rest and chaotic sleeping patterns as a result.

A few trips have been what others might consider “crazy” or “hardcore” because of the timing and duration. One trip that stands out above all others was the freezing cold Christmas night trip when Sam and I camped out on an island from 8:00pm until 10:30am with only two bites to show for our efforts.

The typical winter pattern of deep water over mud and shell has produced in quality but has definitely lack in quantity. We have caught decent numbers of trout in the 18” – 20” range over the past 12 days with quite a few pushing over this range. The occasional redfish and flounder has also been a welcomed addition to the scarcity of action but our focus is singular this time of year; big trout and nothing else.

Our lures of choice this winter have been Catch 5’s in chartreuse top and bottom with gold sides, and numerous soft plastic paddle tails fished on heavy jigheads (Gambler Flappin’ Shad, TTF Flats Minnow, TTF Flats Minnow XL, Bass Assassin Sea Shad)in Roach, Morning Glory, Liquid Shrimp, Salt and Pepper, and Mumpy Glow. Color selection has been based on the water clarity. The clearer the water the lighter or more natural colored baits and vice versa.

There have been more than a few trips were bites have been of the premium. No worries though, there is still plenty of winter left and I’m determined to find a reliable pattern and bite before the winter is up. Until next time…

Sam's Rat Red


Sam's 22" Trout


Sam's Slot Red


Sam's 21" Trout


Sam's 25" Trout


Sam's 23" Trout




Roach TTF Big Mino










Tater Chip