What's Bites in Florida in Winter?

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• Jack Hexter New Port RicheyPosts: 5,124 Moderator

  December 2013 #2

  Where in Florida are you talking about. The panhandle is a lot different than the Keys, is a lot different than the northeast. That's why this forum has 11 different regions.

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• Tin Slayer Posts: 67 Greenhorn

  December 2013 #3

  Sorry for my ignorance. In Winter, what is there to catch in the northeast, in comparison to the Keys and Panhandle regions?

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• Anclote Key Posts: 2,354 Officer

  December 2013 #4

  So you're fishing in northeastern Florida?

  The two best times to fish is when it’s rainin’ and when it ain’t. –Patrick F. McManus

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• Capt. Pants Posts: 667 Officer

  December 2013 #5

  Chiming in to add to post count.

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• Ketch-up Posts: 305 Officer

  December 2013 #6

  :Popcorn

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• DragScreamer Posts: 1,475 Officer

  December 2013 #7

  For most of florida it is redfish, trout, and sheepshead. But the winter this year is pretty warm, and so was the last winter. With these new warmer winters comes different patterns. With different patterns comes fish that aren't acting as they usually do this time of year, hence why everything seems like slow fishing. The fish are here, you just have to figure them out.

  Let's go fishing!

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• Jim311 Posts: 4,961 Captain

  December 2013 #8

  The NE region inshore has trout, flounder, redfish, and sheepshead in the creeks. You could catch sharks, whiting, pompano, and other stuff off the beaches as well.

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• Tin Slayer Posts: 67 Greenhorn

  December 2013 #9

  Thanks for the info. So when does the offshore species bite, Spring, Summer, and Fall in the Northeast and year around in the Keys?

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• divn4$ Posts: 1,530 Captain

  December 2013 #10

  Capt. Pants wrote: »

  Chiming in to add to post count.

  
  Me too,trying to get to a 1000 before the ball drops.

  
  
  
  Go Navy.....

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• FibberMckee Posts: 12,837 AG

  December 2013 #11

  Ever consider reading the 'Florida Sportsman' magazine? Each month they discuss "What's Bites In Florida in" every region.

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• 238SP Posts: 91 Deckhand

  December 2013 #12

  Yankee's

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• Yaksquatch Posts: 499 Officer

  January 2014 #13

  Fishing in Florida's great year round! However, be aware that target species, techniques, and locations vary depending on water temperature. The biggest target species this time of year is SHEEPSHEAD SHEEPSHEAD SHEEPSHEAD!!! As they aggregate into large schools all winter to feed on barnacles and other "shellfish" in order to gain weight an prepare for spawning in the early spring.
  
  Be aware that they are not the same as the Pacific fish you have on the W. Coast also called sheepshead. There's a pretty good article on the home page for this site about sheepshead techniques and baits of choice. However, if you're going to be spending the money to travel and stay here in a hotel or something, I highly recommend you include $300-500 for hiring an inshore guide at least once. Trust me, 4 hours with a guide is worth YEARS of trying to figure it out on your own!!!
  
  Good luck!
  Alex

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• Tin Slayer Posts: 67 Greenhorn

  January 2014 #14

  Thanks for the information, as I have a better idea on the fishing situation in Florida and when it would be a good time to go visit. Tight lines!

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• Jack Hexter New Port RicheyPosts: 5,124 Moderator

  January 2014 #15

  The best bite in winter is in South Florida, anywhere from Ft Pierce thru the Keys for sailfish. I'd fish for them anywhere from Thanksgiving thru Easter.. Same area in the spring/summer for dolphin

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• ANUMBER1 Posts: 12,041 AG

  January 2014 #16

  Noseeums bite during the winter in all regions.

  I am glad to only be a bird hunter with bird dogs...being a shooter or dog handler or whatever other niche exists to separate appears to generate far too much about which to worry.

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• brianb Posts: 2,414 Captain

  January 2014 #17

  Alligators.

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• saltysenior Posts: 868 Officer

  January 2014 #18

  WHAT BITES IN FLORIDA IN THE WINTER--
  
  puffers, catfish, 7''gray snappers, slippery ****, grunts, spots, skates, 5''lane snappers, goats, ladyfish, jacks, pinfish, blue runners, and every once in a while a sheepshead.....however, if you buy a magazine or a newspaper, you will find they catch different fish..

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• JonathanT305 Posts: 164 Deckhand

  January 2014 #19

  saltysenior wrote: »

  WHAT BITES IN FLORIDA IN THE WINTER--
  
  puffers, catfish, 7''gray snappers, slippery ****, grunts, spots, skates, 5''lane snappers, goats, ladyfish, jacks, pinfish, blue runners, and every once in a while a sheepshead.....however, if you buy a magazine or a newspaper, you will find they catch different fish..

  
  You forgot lizardfish and leatherjacks.

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