Many anglers think that wade fishing is a warm water activity, but fall and winter wading can produce some fantastic results and gives you many advantages over anglers fishing from a boat. Getting in the water puts you in the fish’s realm, giving you the advantage of a silent approach. This can be particularly important when area waters cool and clear up, making fish especially wary. Wading allows you to keep a low profile and make a stealthier approach.
On clear “blue bird” days when fish are particularly spooky or hard to see, try standing still and waiting for them! When fish see you just before you see them it’s a good time to try this approach. 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 the best visibility. By staying a long cast away, you can often see fish when they enter a hole or pass across a white sand bottom. 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 very productive.
When wading, you won’t need heavy tackle unless you’re fishing docks or other structure. Spin and bait casting leaders should have a 30-pound bite tippet. In clear water, you might want to downsize leaders. This will often fool wary trout, but you’ll risk being cut off should you encounter a big snook.
Since the last two hurricanes, local guides are reporting some of the best action they’ve seen in years. Recently Capt. Tom Stephens reported that anglers who fished with him last week in Sarasota Bay had phenomenal success.
“We caught 32 reds, 30 snook, tons of trout all on fly in two days,” he said.
Capt. Justin Moore reports he’s seeing more reds than in many years.
The key to productive and comfortable winter wading as waters cool is to stay warm and dry. A good pair of waders, wading boots, sweatpants (on coldest days) and warm socks will do the trick. Add a pair of polarized glasses, a hat with a dark under-brim, a wade vest or pack, and you’re in business.
When wading in winter or summer, it’s important to make sure you’re not exposing any open cuts or wounds to saltwater. A bacteria called vibrio which is present naturally in area saltwater can cause serious complications and even be fatal. While it’s not often that this happens, it could be exacerbated by water quality issues. According to information from the Florida Department of Health, vibrio vulnificus normally lives in warm seawater and is part of a group of vibrios that are called “halophilic” because they require salt. Vibrio infections are rare, but just recently an angler wading Long Bar in Sarasota Bay contracted the disease, which required an amputation. According to the department web site, “Water and wounds do not mix. Do not enter the water if you have fresh cuts or scrapes.”
Give winter wade fishing a try. It gets you out of the boat and provides some exercise and excellent angling opportunities.
