Why do I say lure size matters in winter? Well here’s the down low. In the Glades when the water cools larger forage  move out offshore. Smaller critters like shrimp, crabs and glass minnows fill in the gap. At Marco Island Fishing Guide this means down sizing presentation. Jigs, soft plastic in the 3 inch range take the place of the 4 or 5 inch presentations.

Marco Island inshore fishing changes. There’s a slower presentation. Redfish, snook and Seatrout all slow down in colder water. Presentations should be smaller and your retrieve becomes painfully slow. But this will produce bites. Also be aware bites are more subtle so a bit of finesse is necessary.

Don’t be afraid to manually adjust the size of you lures. At Marco Island Fishing Guides cutting a half inch off of a soft plastic is normal. You are trying to emulate crabs, shrimp and glass minnows not large pilchards. Zman jerk shads and others can be trimmed. Here is link https://zmanfishing.com/products/scented-jerk-shadz. Also don’t dismiss using some jell attractant such as Procure inshore or shrimp. It make a difference. So smaller, slower and lower when the water temp drops.

Now let’s talk tackle. 7 ft Medium light rod 2000 or 2500 Penn Battle 4 reels is what is used on the SilverKing skiff. Reels loaded with 10lb Beyond Braid Camo and 20-25 lb Floro leader. Leader about 14-16 inches. The light braid does 2 things. It allows for long casts and the sensitivity to feel those light bites. Yes you will have to retie after a bunch of ladyfish but with the winter clean water you’ll get more gamefish bites. Remember slow retrieve. Start casts far away of your target area. These fish could be on the flat getting some sun so slow approach. These changes will make a difference. Fish that moving water!

 

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