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© St. Petersburg Times, published December 1, 2001
Live shrimp is the bait for inshore winter fishing. The absence of baitfish in cold water means gamefish turn to crustaceans such as crabs, barnacles and mussels, or worms in the bottom. Shrimp is the simplest bait to acquire and attracts all inshore species, including trout, redfish, snook, sheepshead, pompano and whiting. The secret is slow presentation. Crawl a shrimp slowly and naturally across the bottom. Sometimes the fish are not energetic. Keeping the line just tight enough to stay in contact with the bait allows you to feel the bite and set the hook.
When rigging for inshore shrimp I use a spinning reel loaded with 8- to 10-pound test line on a 61/2- to 7-foot graphite rod. I tie 12-18 inches of 20-pound test leader with a No. 1 or 1/0 hook. Sometimes it is necessary to add an inch of lead above the hook to help hold the bait down and maintain that feel for the bite.
I look to deep, residential canals with good dock structure. The deep water with mud bottom and radiating heat from the sea walls is a warm sanctuary from cold water. It is also more comfortable topside as we too can hide out of the wind. Slowly work from dock to dock until finding a concentration of fish. Then quietly slip the anchor in. Remember, you are playing in someone's back yard. Respect their property and privacy and you will be welcomed back to enjoy the hot fishing of winter all season.
- Capt. Brent Gaskill charters the Summer Vacation out of St. Petersburg and can be reached at (727) 343-1765 or by e-mail at gaskill@tampabay.rr.com.