Winter cold front fishing is here. Chilly weather and lower water temperatures mean one thing. Low and slow. It all makes sense. Everything slows down in a snook or redfish, actually every fish slows down in cool water. In turn they eat a bit less so presentation is key.

When winter cold fronts come you must think of comfort. Where do you want to be outside when that cold front comes? In the sun and not working hard expending energy. Fish are the same. They search that warmer water. 1 or 2 degrees make a difference and find some darker bottom and you’re golden. But don’t forget, go slow. Slow with your search method, slow with your retrieve and have that extra coffee. Yes you don’t need to be out at 7 am in 45-50 degree temps. Let the sun do its thing for a few hours, ten am sound good. Winter cold front fishing means you can stop and get breakfast with your buddy. Let the sun warm it up a bit. Winter cold fronts allow a more leeway than scorching summer sun when you want to beat the heat.

We like using products like Zman, gulps, nice 1/8 oz hair jig with a tiny hook tip of a piece of shrimp. Use light weight, 1/4 oz max. You’re going low and slow bouncing, skimming the bottom. Look for flats near slightly deeper water with darker bottom. By that we look for grass, dark muddy bottom or skinny mangrove shore line with full sun. Stay on the calmer side if windy as waves create more surface area and lose more temp that way. Calmer will be warmer.

So let’s put this in order. Don’t depart dock at 7 cold O’clock wait for the sun to work its magic. Look for darker bottom, grass flats or full sun skinny water near mangroves and oyster bars. Approach your target area slowly. Your offering should be a slow presentation and skipping along the bottom. Light weight 1/8 oz is best. Keep your tackle light. We use 10lb braid with 30lb or in clear conditions 20 lb
fluorocarbon leaders.

Typical winter redfish

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