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.

Showintail Inshore Charters boat on glass-calm waters at sunrise during a winter inshore fishing trip

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.
Map of Emerald Coast winter fishing hotspots
Annotated chart of top winter inshore fishing spots.

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:

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.