For the first time in a few years, we’re having an “actual” winter. When anglers consider their options this time of year many never consider getting out of the boat and wading. That’s unfortunate because cold water can produce some fantastic results. Like any time of the year, wading provides some distinct advantages overfishing from a boat. Wading puts you in the fish’s realm, gives you the advantage of a low profile and a silent approach. This can be particularly important during the winter when the water can be gin-clear making gamefish extremely wary.
The key to comfortable winter wading is staying warm and dry. A good pair of waders, wading boots, sweat pants and insulating socks will do the trick on the coldest day. Add a pair of polarized glasses, a hat with a dark under-brim, a wade vest or pack, and you’re in business. You won’t need heavy tackle unless you’re fishing docks or other structures. Under most conditions, an eight-pound test tackle will be sufficient. You can go even lighter if conditions permit. Fly anglers generally opt for six/ eight weight outfits unless wind or other conditions warrant upsizing. Make sure reels have plenty of line for long smooth casts and make sure the drag is properly set. I generally opt for a 30-pound bite tippet but downsize to 20 and even 18-pound test when fishing clear water, high sun and spooky fish. You’ll risk being cut off should you encounter a big snook but I always err to getting the bite, risking a cut-off for the increased action. A longer bite tippet allows anglers to change lures and flies more often without having to re-leader. When constructing leaders and tippets I use 100% fluorocarbon material.
If the visibility isn’t great, or you’re fishing early or late, blind cast the edges where grass and sand meet. These sandy areas (the seams) and potholes are perfect ambush spots for the predators you’re targeting. Start with presentations about two feet short of the area your working towards, then in and past your target. Make sure you cover deep grass often found at the ends of the potholes.
During the winters you’ll often find big trout on the flats on cold mornings. The fish will come into some extremely shallow potholes to feed on an incoming tide. Work your way through potholes, always staying vigilant for surface action, tails, wakes or feeding birds.
If fish are particularly spooky or hard to see try standing still and waiting for them to come to you. Try this approach if fish see you just before you see them. Anchor well away from the area you intend to fish, get out of the boat and stake out a pothole or sandy area where you have visibility. By staying a long cast away, you can easily see the fish when they enter a hole or pass across a patch of sand. Position yourself off to the side in the grass where you’re less visible, keep a low profile and be still. Just waiting them out gives you a big advantage when targeting reds, trout, snook and other game fish as they wander the flat. When you make a presentation, don’t make any quick moves, and make your casts low and slow. It takes patience but can be productive when all else fails.
Give winter wade fishing a try. Look for likely spots on charts or go online to programs like Google Earth. When you “get wet” you’ll discover some excellent angling opportunities, and as a bonus, get some exercise. Get wet.
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