Guide to Fishing Winter Redfish on Florida's Gulf Coast

Winter days on Florida's Nature Coast offer some of the best opportunities for catching redfish in Florida. The combination of clear waters, calm conditions, and concentrated fish makes this season ideal for sight casting Florida redfish. Success depends on understanding winter-specific tactics, choosing the right redfish baits and redfish lures, and mastering precise presentation techniques.

Why Winter is Prime Time for Florida Redfish

Optimal Weather Conditions for Fishing Redfish

Cold Weather Advantages: Cold north winds are blocked by the east-west running keys, while shallow flats absorb midday sun warmth, especially over dark mud bottoms that retain heat. This creates comfortable micro-climates where redfish concentrate and feed actively during the warmest parts of winter days.

Redfish Behavior in Winter

During winter months, Florida redfish become more predictable in their movements and feeding patterns. They seek warmer water in shallow bays and flats during midday hours, making them easier to locate and target. Schools often form tighter groups, presenting multiple opportunities for anglers who position themselves correctly.

Best Bait for Redfish: Winter Selections

Live Bait for Redfish

Live Shrimp: Consistently rated as the best bait for catching redfish during winter months. Live shrimp's natural movement and scent trigger aggressive strikes from cold-water redfish. Hook placement is critical—nose-hook live shrimp for natural presentation and maximum action.

• Live pinfish (excellent for larger redfish)
• Live mud minnows (perfect for shallow water presentations)
  
• Live crabs (blue crabs and fiddler crabs work exceptionally well)

Artificial Lure for Redfish: Top Winter Choices

Redfish Soft Plastics:

• Nose-hooked jerk baits in glow or watermelon red flake colors
• 3-4 inch paddle tail swimbaits in natural shrimp colors
  
• Soft plastic shrimp imitations with realistic action
  

• Gold spoons (1/4 to 1/2 ounce for winter conditions)
• Suspending twitch baits in shad or mullet patterns
  
• Topwater plugs for early morning and late afternoon feeding
  

Winter Redfish Tackle Setup

Spinning Tackle for Redfish

Recommended Setup: G-Loomis E6X 7'6" medium-light rod paired with a quality spinning reel. Spool with 10lb braided line and attach a 20lb fluorocarbon leader for optimal sensitivity and stealth presentation.

7-8 foot medium action rods for versatility
12-15lb braid for larger redfish
15-25lb fluorocarbon leaders depending on water clarity

Fly Fishing for Redfish Equipment

Fly Rod Setup: Eight-weight fly rods are standard for fly fishing for redfish. This weight provides the perfect balance of power for casting in wind and sensitivity for detecting subtle takes.

• Shrimp patterns with brown and crystal flash
• Crab flies in olive and tan combinations
  
• Clouser minnows in chartreuse and white
  
• Spoon flies that mimic small baitfish
  

Winter Redfish Fishing Techniques

Sight Casting Tactics

Boat Positioning: Pole the boat quietly to avoid engine noise that spooks redfish in shallow water. Use the trolling motor sparingly and only when absolutely necessary for positioning.

Lead cruising redfish by 4-6 feet
Cast softly near stationary fish to avoid startling them
Make long, accurate casts to avoid getting too close
Use sidearm casting techniques in windy conditions

Presentation Methods for Winter Redfish

Slow Retrieval: Winter redfish often prefer slower presentations. Twitch soft plastics gently and pause frequently to mimic injured baitfish.

Tide Strategies for Winter Redfish Success

Incoming Tide Advantages

Bait Concentration: Incoming tides push baitfish and crustaceans toward mangrove shorelines where redfish stage to feed. This natural food movement creates prime feeding opportunities.

Reading Water and Structure

Key Areas to Target:

• Shallow flats adjacent to deep water channels
• Mangrove shorelines with undercut banks
  
• Oyster bars and grass beds in 2-4 feet of water
  
• Creek mouths and tidal drains
  

Advanced Winter Redfish Techniques

Stealth Approach Methods

Quiet Boat Handling: Avoid unnecessary movement, secure all loose gear, and approach fishing areas from downwind when possible. Redfish in clear, shallow winter water are easily spooked by noise and sudden movements.

Reading Redfish Behavior

Feeding Signs: Look for tailing redfish, nervous water, and baitfish activity. Winter redfish often feed more deliberately, making subtle movements that require careful observation.

Winter Redfish Fishing Success Tips

Equipment Maintenance

Keep redfish lures and redfish baits in optimal condition during cooler weather. Check drag settings regularly, as cold weather can affect reel performance. Maintain sharp hooks, as winter redfish often have tough mouths from feeding on crustaceans.

Weather Pattern Awareness

Monitor weather fronts carefully. The day after a cold front often provides exceptional fishing redfish opportunities as warming water temperatures trigger feeding activity.

Conservation Practices

Practice catch and release for larger breeding redfish. Handle fish carefully in cooler water, as their recovery time may be longer than in summer months.

Conclusion

By focusing on the right redfish tackle, optimal weather conditions, and proven techniques for catching redfish in Florida, winter anglers can enjoy some of the most rewarding redfish fishing opportunities of the year. The combination of clear water, predictable fish behavior, and comfortable temperatures makes winter the premier season for serious redfish anglers on Florida's Nature Coast.

Captain William Toney In The Spread, Instructor