Winter provides the most significant opportunity for anglers. During this time of the year, there are several types of fish you can target. Unlike the warm season, winter finds more fish at the bottom looking for invertebrates and pinfish in the deeper grass.
Here is a look at the types of fish anglers can target during the winter.
1. Sheepshead
There is a reduced number during winter. If you want a fish meal during winter months, you will have sheepshead as your substitute. They mostly feed on crabs and shrimp, and it’s difficult to detect their bite because of their human-like teeth. Despite that, you can find a variety of them which increases your chances of catching them.
2. Sharks
A variety of sharks are close to the beaches in the coastlines looking for a meal during winter. It is an excellent chance for anglers during this time that can use mainly as bait to target them.
3. Pompano
This specimen is also known as cobblerfish. It’s commonly found along gulf beaches and pass areas. They pick off sand fleas in sandy areas, and critters found near the bottom. Pompano fish don’t grow so big as other fish, but they are great to eat. Anglers can target them using rigs fished near the bottom.
4. Redfish
Because of their popularity, Redfish are the official saltwater species in North Carolina. They are the prime target for water anglers during winter in the southeastern part of the United States. Anglers can find them in the shallow flats.
5. Striped bass
You can mostly find striped fish in Virginia during winter. Striped fishing is a challenge because these stripers deliver exciting fights and they are hard to pull. However, during winter you can find them in the southern regions. To catch them, you can use jigs, flies, or eels.
6. Bonefish
Anglers can mostly find Bonefish in the shallow flats during winter. They provide a great sport, and you can use them to test your fly-fishing skills when they target light tackle. You can also catch bonefish using shrimp and crab, but you need to have an accurate cast to thrive.
7. Snapper
You target snappers in the shallow spots and inshore areas during winter. They come from deeper areas to the shallow places to feed and get some warmth. You can also find snappers near wrecks, or reefs.
8. Cobia
Cobias give you a big chance to catch them during winter, a time when they are revving their feeding engines. Heavy jigs and lures are an effective way to find these fish, but you can also attract them using live baits.
9. Barracuda
Apparently, Barracuda fish feed throughout the year. However, the perfect time to catch these fish is during winter. When the water is clear, you can see them from a distance.
10. Black drum
Anglers are seen frequenting beach areas during winter to catch black drums using a variety of lures such as dead shrimp and crabs.
