Winter Sight Fishing….Winter Time Rush
While wintertime has many disadvantages when it comes to fishing, it does have some advantages. Fewer crowds, cooler conditions, and most importantly, clearer water. With that clearer water brings the opportunity to sight fish. It’s one of the most exciting and rewarding ways to change your inshore fishing tactics. It’s especially fun when Redfish are your target species. As the Reds school up in the winter with a more limited food supply, they are great targets in the shallow water where they’re visible.
Another added benefit is the tackle options that come with sight fishing. It’s a great time to polish your skills with a fly rod. Being able to see the fish is a significant part of fly fishing. So if you’re new to using a fly rod this is a perfect place to start, especially if you’re fishing with a guide or another angler that’s fly fishing savvy. It also requires a higher level of teamwork between the angler and the boat operator, and the lighter fly rod makes catching the Redfish both more of a challenge and more fun. However, sight fishing with the traditional spinning outfit can also make for a rewarding day of angling.
The sight fishing experience comes on multiple levels. First, locating the fish and actually seeing it. This part of the process brings out the real hunter in all of us. There’s nothing like stalking your prey to bring out a rush in you. Next, is being able to see the fish attack the bait and begin the fight. It will startle you every time, no matter how many times it happens. Last, is when you get the fish to the boat. After the exciting light tackle fight, you will discover a respect for the fish that you probably won’t feel fishing in other ways.
In addition to being great fun, sight fishing only requires a few basic tactics. First, be stealthy. In the wintertime, Redfish seem to spook easier, and with their increased ability to see, you need to approach the area slowly and quietly. Be aware of your shadow. Make sure to work in tandem with the boat operator to direct them to fish you’ve spotted. Start casting and be ready for the action to begin. If they spook, give it a few quiet minutes and try again. Keep the noise down and your eyes focused and remember polarized sunglasses are a must.
So, before the weather gets warm, get out there and give sight casting a try. You’ll have a ball!
