January is one of the top months for backcountry redfish. With the water gin clear and active fish in the afternoons of sun filled days, fish will be prowling the mud flats,edges of sand bars, oyster bars, glass lines, and other Structures. This is a great time to pole your boat if you are in shallow water. Fisherman can actually see tailing and backing fish. Most fish will be schooled up and in competition with one another eating various crustations such as blue and fiddler crabs and any other tasty flats treat that presents itself. If you can get a low tide from noon to 3 o'clock, the mud will capture the heat from the sun and makes situation ideal. It often heats the water just enough to make the fish a little more active and if you can fish flats with the sun at you're back and in the lee, you have now put yourself in the best position for success. Dead sticking baits like mud minnows and shrimp on a TBS jig in pinch points and rips around oyster bars on falling tide can be very productive. Often anglers using shrimp will catch drum and sheepshead as an added bonus. Trout will also be holding in deep bends of creeks and holes. Jigs and bait, sliding float rigs, and soft plastics work well. The key is to work the lures slow and deep. If working baits, again, dead sticking could be your best bet. Fish are Lethargic with water temps as low as mid 40's. Many trout are small, however, the numbers can be high. I have had clients catch as many as 100 in afew hours. Of course there will be some keepers..... 15-20 inches with 1 over. Ok anglers, each season has something to offer, don't let the cool weather change your mind about fishing. Winter fishing in Northeast Florida is fantastic!!
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