Do I need to change my fishing habits for winter?

[procraftwes]

I'm pretty sure I'm doing something wrong. the last 2 trips I've gone out on I haven't caught a single fish. Usually i go out and theres alot of surface action fish chasing bait,mullet jumping but the past 2 times i haven't seen anything. I started out both times setting up a drift over the grass flats in front of the lighthouse then after that doesnt work i fish the oyster beds in the river mouth. I've been setting up 2 rods with a popping cork and live shrimp. then fishing lures with my lighter rod. I haven't been fishing this time of the year before and I'm thinking i need to change it up. I have a Garmin Colorado that predicts fishing days and when i went Tuesday it was poor and when i went today it was average. Should I choose my days better? Any suggestions?

[jsuber]

Your fishing in the wrong place. Try Lanark or Econfina areas.

[dolphinatic]

Your fishing in the wrong place. Try Lanark or Econfina areas.

[procraftwes]

It seems like I would fish Econfina any tips on where to launch,navigating tips and hazards. Alot of rocks right? BTW Dolphinatic if you wanna stop by my store ill leave that phone there for ya.

[jsuber]

Pretend everywhere has lots of rocks, take your time the first few times and get the lay of the bottom, and exploring on your own and learning to read the water is far more rewarding than fast food fishing. We could tell you fifty places that work for us, but that does not mean it will work for you. Get out there and explore. I like fishing near grass and oyster bars. Work points and creek mouths, and keep and eye out for changes in the water. Look for signs of feeding fish, or diving birds, and take your time. No hurry when your learning an area. I like the incoming tides too. Fish with what you are comfortable with.

[Littoral]

Pretend everywhere has lots of rocks, take your time the first few times and get the lay of the bottom, and exploring on your own and learning to read the water is far more rewarding than fast food fishing. We could tell you fifty places that work for us, but that does not mean it will work for you. Get out there and explore. I like fishing near grass and oyster bars. Work points and creek mouths, and keep and eye out for changes in the water. Look for signs of feeding fish, or diving birds, and take your time. No hurry when your learning an area. I like the incoming tides too. Fish with what you are comfortable with.

Fish slow, light, take your time, be quiet, and lose the live bait.
It's not a coincidence that the kayaks rule this part of the year.

[Flint River Pirate]

Everything is a lot slower when the water cools, so don't loose your confidence. This spring it will get a lot better. Winter fishing is either feast or famine. The fish tend to stack up together in schools, unlike in the spring/summer months when they spread out. Remember lighter tackle and finesse fishing tends to catch a lot of cold water fish. Don't over think it either. I know you like to bass fish so do the same things you would on a lake. Look for structure and cover and you will find fish. If you see birds diving, they are after the same bait fish that big fish are after. Slow everything down.

[flounderpounder]

I tend to look for areas that are a bit different than what is around. winter fishing can be very good but the fish are usually more spooky and less willing to eat.

[Aquamaholic]

procraftwes,

I feel your pain!

I have only been able to find about one or two keepers the last 5 or 6 trips since the weather got cold.
I have been fishing out of St. Marks too.

Thanks for all the advice guys I will be heading to the Econfina my next outing

[What a mess]

Look for shallow water 2-3 foot is fine less is ok too, we were fishing fast and erratic today and slamming them. Change it up remember what you were doing if it works. Jigs jerk baits (minnow type divers) saw them caught on mirror lires and it don't have to be Gulp either they caught them on the old white with a pink tail. I like oyster bars creek moths moving water mullet jumping two thumbs up. Weird is ok we have caught them at one time or another on everything in the tackle box. Spoons spinner baits buzz baits rattle traps crank baits texas rigged plastic worms flukes slugos and top water plugs with and without props. If you can get to it in a boat your not to shallow if it will cover the fishes back it is deep enough.