Winter time fishing can be challenging to those that are new to sight fishing the flats. There are a myriad of reasons, but the biggest challenges come from the water being clearer, fish typically moving a little slower, and in a lot of locations, the water levels being lower. All of these conditions can make fish much spookier and difficult to get to eat. This can be extremely annoying to new anglers, who may stop fishing during this time; when in fact, it is the perfect time to sight fish and perfect your angling skills.
My conventional anglers will find the video that I did with Ray Stansberry informative and helpful for these conditions. It relates to downsizing your offerings. Downsizing your baits not only makes for a more delicate presentation, it also represents much of the bait in the area. Z-Man Fishing Products offers a huge variety of "finesse" baits, all of which work great during these winter time conditions. In addition to the information in the video, I also recommend the following:
- use longer, lighter leaders; this makes it more difficult for fish to see the leader and shy away
- use a rod that allows you to cast longer
- cast sidearm; this reduces the shadow you cast, along with lowering the profile of the rod
For my fly anglers, this same concept works. Downsize your flies and use flies with smaller weighted eyes. This will reduce the noise the fly makes when entering the water and help alleviate spooking the fish. The majority of my flies I use during the winter will be under 3", with very few exceptions. Additionally, try the following tips to improve your chances:
- use a lighter rod; winter is the perfect time to use a 6-weight fly rod, as the water has plenty of oxygen and the lighter rod will not spook fish as much
- lengthen your leader to 10 feet or even 12 feet and reduce your tippet size; the shallower and clearer the water, the more you may have to lengthen the leader and drop tippet size
- learn to cast accurately with a sidearm cast; this takes practice, but it reduces the chances of the fish seeing the rod moving
- limit your body movement; like the rod, the more your body moves, the more chances the fish has to see you
- limit false casting; every false cast is a chance for the fish to see the fly line and you
- lead fish a little more; in the clear water, you may have to lead fish by 5 feet to keep from spooking them
Fishing techniques are not the only thing you need to change to have a better chance at catching fish. The way you operate the boat and approach fish needs to change too. Lower, clearer water makes fish very wary and the sound travels even further in the water than the air. Try these tips when operating your boat or when you are trying to approach fish:
- stop your main motor further away from your fishing area; while 50 yards may work in the summer, it may need to be three times further or more during the winter
- if you are utilizing a trolling motor, run it as low as possible and keep it at a steady speed; pulsating the motor up and down creates an artificial noise under the water that fish hear and recognize
- when poling the boat (the best way to approach fish on the flats), use shorter poling strokes and keep the pole at a lower angle; again, this will reduce the chances of the fish seeing your movement
- don't rock the boat; this is always important, but even more so during lower, clearer water times
- take your time; fishing is about enjoying the time, not racing. Slower movement will create less water disturbance
If you follow these guidelines, I guarantee that you will have more success. That success will lead to more enjoyment and more willingness to get out during these times. If you have questions, feel free to drop a comment and I'll get back with you.
Until next time....Tight Lines and Screaming Drags
- Captain John Tarr