Winter Inshore Fishing on the Emerald Coast
Uncrowded waters, cooler air, and trophy fish make winter the perfect season for inshore anglers along Florida’s Emerald Coast.
Why Fish Inshore in Winter?
- Less Crowded: Fewer boats on Santa Rosa Sound & East Bay.
- Consistent Bites: Redfish & trout concentrate in deeper creeks and oyster bars when water temps dip to 55–65°F.
- Comfortable Conditions: Flat-calm seas & clear skies ideal for family trips.
Top Winter Target Species
Redfish (Red Drum)
Move into creek channels and oyster edges. Use 3/8 oz jigheads with 4″ paddle tails.
Speckled Trout
School up near grass lines and jetties. Gold spoons and soft‐plastic jerkbaits excel on moving tides.
Sheepshead
Hold to structure—docks, bridges, rocks. Best bait: fiddler crabs under a small split‐shot rig.
Black Drum
Found on oyster bars in groups. Cut shrimp or cut mullet strips produce big bites.
Prime Winter Fishing Locations
- Santa Rosa Sound: Protected flats & steady tides.
- East Bay: Oyster bar ravines loaded with reds.
- Little Sabine Sound (south side): Quiet sight‐fishing flats.
- Gulf Pass (east side): Tidal funnels concentrate baitfish & predators.

Gear, Tackle & Techniques
- Rod & Reel
- 7’–7’6″ medium‐action spinning rod + 3000–4000 reel spooled with 10–15 lb braid.
- Soft Plastics
- 3″–5″ paddletails & jerkbaits on 1/4–3/8 oz jigheads.
- Popping Corks
- Live shrimp 12″ under a 1/2 oz cork for trout & reds.
- Gold Spoons
- Stainless spoons (1/4–1/2 oz) for stained water trout.
Insider Tips & Case Studies
- Jan 10, 2025 Deep-Creek Sweep: Found a new 30 redfish ledge in East Bay.
- Nov 25 Family Day Trip: Mixed‐skill group landed limits of trout on popping corks.
- Feb Full‐Moon Night Trip: Trophy sheepshead under dock lights on a 4-hour charter.
Booking Your Winter Charter
Turn chilly mornings into hot action:
- View Charter Rates & Durations
- Meet Our Captains
- Book Now
- Contact Us or call (850) 582-3474
FAQ
When is the best tide for winter inshore fishing?
Aim for the two hours before & after high tide when fish push into shallows to feed.
What should I wear?
Layer up with a thermal base, windbreaker & waterproof boots. Sunglasses & sunblock are still essential!
Are kids welcome on winter trips?
Absolutely. We run family-friendly trips with kid-sized rods & patient, hands-on instruction.
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