What to Expect When Fishing Tampa Bay in Winter

Don’t let cooler weather or fronts discourage you from fishing Tampa Bay during the winter months. In late December, January and February, low tides create an excellent opportunity to find fish. Cold fronts will push through every week or two and sometimes even twice a week. These weather conditions will produce extreme low tides especially around a new or full moon. The strong northwest and northeast winds push a lot of water out of the bay and expose grassy bottoms and oyster beds in the back waters, canals and mangrove cuts. The deeper holes adjacent to these high and dry areas may be holding lots of fish like trout, reds or snook.

A few days before our typical cold front arrives, the winds will increase and start blowing from the south and southwest. As the front gets closer, the temperature will increase, the SW winds will be around 15 to 20 mph and the pressure starts dropping. Fish will start feeding and catching will pick up during these conditions.

As soon as the front hits, strong winds switch from the west and it usually rains.  As the front passes, the winds turn northwest, barometric pressure increases and the temperature will start dropping.

The first day after a cold front passes is usually not a good day to fish. Winds are still blowing 20+ mph out of the northwest, the bay water is awfully dirty and the barometric pressure is very high.  Also, the seasonably cold air will drastically drop the water temperature 10 or so degrees.  This scenario totally shuts down the fishing and their environment. Wait a day or two, then start fishing again.

Don’t let the Florida cold fronts keep you high and dry. After the front passes, we usually have the best weather in the country. There is plenty of opportunity to get out and catch fish during the winter months.

I’ve started booking winter charters already so call 727-458-6335, get on board, bring a jacket and let’s go catch some fish!

This guest post was provided by Captain Gary Burch, a recommended inshore fishing guide who specializes in the Tampa Bay and Clearwater area. Captain Gary can be reached at www.allcatchcharters.com