Fishing at Pier 60 in January has been cold.

John with some nice Sheephead

The first few days of the New Year were not bad for catching on Pier 60. Whiting, Flounder, Butterfish, Sheepshead and small Sharks were all active and hungry.

The next two weeks were challenging and unproductive. Frigid arctic air cold-fronts repeatedly pushed through the area, sending both sea-life and fishermen to warmer abodes. The weather has been unusually cold, with some freezing temperatures and strong winds from the North. Water temperatures dipped to as low as 44 degrees in the Gulf of Mexico. All of the warm-loving species of fish retreated into the bays and creeks, trying vainly to survive. Many Snook were spotted belly-up in the bay waters, and it is too early to tell just how bad the fish-killing weather was. I also saw Mullet, Jack Crevalle and Ladyfish dead in local waters. It took a couple of weeks for all the fish to get gassy and float where they could be seen.

As a result of the damage to fish stocks around the State, the FWC has issued a catch and release order for Snook until September 2010. Tarpon and Bonefish are not to be harvested until April 1st. Scientists are re-assessing the fish stocks, and might change any number of regulations to assure the rebuilding of the resource.

From what I have gathered, I suspect we fared better in our area than many others. Our fish were used to some cold, and had moved inside, close to warmer creeks and holes when the big chill hit. Further south, I hear, damage was more severe. And even Tampa Bay’s causeways were littered with tons of dead fish.

Ralph with a mess of Whiting

There are some bright spots, however. Whiting are biting in the early evening until well after dark. Cut squid seems to work best for them, and it stays on the hook well. Silver Perch or Butterfish can be found at the end of the Pier, and they are usually caught on cut shrimp, although many have good luck using one of the larger Sabiki rigs, typically rigged with small pieces of cut bait.

Spotted Sea Trout have been seen here and there, with Silver Trout showing up too. Black Sea Bass and Gag Grouper were also caught during January, along with Sheepshead.

The fishing steadily improves with the weather, and as it warms up between fronts, a brief opportunity arises to get some nice fish before the next cold air mass arrives with wind, rain, and heavy surf. So time your fishing accordingly, and let’s hope for warmer days ahead.

Good Luck Fishing!

Capt'n Tom