Fly Fishing for Redfish from a Skiff in Northeast Florida During the Winter
There’s something special about fly fishing for redfish in Northeast Florida during the winter months. While the idea of cold weather might turn some anglers away, for me, winter fishing is truly the best time of year to chase these powerful, tail-wagging fish, crustacean crunching fish. The estuaries, shallow mud flats, and protected waters of our Jacksonville area offer an ideal landscape for sight-fishing redfish, especially when you’re out on a skiff. If you’ve never fished for redfish in Northeast Florida in the winter, I highly recommend giving it a try—it’s an unforgettable experience seeing their backs and tails fully exposed combing for shrimp and crabs in the mud.
Why Winter is a Great Time for Redfish
When most people think of fly fishing for redfish, they imagine the warmer months when fish are more active and everywhere you look, you see tails waving in the air. But winter is a different kind of magic. The cooler temperatures of December through February in Northeast Florida create stable conditions, and because the waters don’t cool as much as they do further north, redfish still feed regularly, albeit with a little less intensity than during the warmer months.
One of the best things about winter fishing here is that the weather tends to be calm and predictable. You’ll see fewer boats out, which gives you a sense of solitude on the water. The fish are there, and with a little patience and the right approach, you can have some truly rewarding days on the water.
Ideal Winter Conditions
For me, ideal winter fishing conditions in Northeast Florida mean clear skies, light winds, and moderate temperatures—basically a perfect day to be out on the skiff. Here’s what I look for when planning a trip:
Clear skies and sunny days: These are the best for sight-casting because they create excellent visibility in shallow water, making it easier to spot those cruising redfish.
Low wind: A light breeze is okay, but strong gusts can make it tricky to cast and can stir up the water, making it harder to see fish. Calm mornings are usually my favorite.
Moderate air temps: I find that 50 to 65°F (about 10 to 18°C) provides the perfect balance. It’s cool enough to keep redfish from being too sluggish but warm enough that they’re still actively feeding.
Low tides: I love fishing during a low tide, when the fish are concentrated in the deeper channels and along the edges of the flats. The shallows are often exposed, and it’s easier to see fish feeding along drop-offs or mud flats.
These conditions give me the chance to sneak up on redfish quietly, often with little interference from other anglers, making it a perfect time to enjoy the sport.
Why I Love Fishing for Redfish From a Skiff
Fishing from a skiff is my favorite way to fish the flats, especially during winter. A skiff gives me access to those skinny, hard-to-reach areas where redfish like to hang out. I can sneak into narrow creeks, drift along sandbars, or quietly push through shallow waters without spooking the fish. The ability to cover more ground and get into places that larger boats can’t reach is huge.
One of the strategies I’ve found that works really well in winter is to slowly drift along the flats, scanning for fish. I look for redfish cruising in the shallows or hanging out in channels. When I spot one, I cast just ahead of it, making sure to give it some time to notice the fly. When I get it right, watching the redfish react is one of the most exciting parts of the day.
I also focus on specific areas where redfish are likely to congregate in winter. Some of my go-to spots include:
Mud flats: Redfish love to root around in the soft mud, looking for crabs, shrimp, and other tasty treats.
Drop-offs and ledges: These spots are like highways for redfish. They use the deeper water to move in and out of the shallows, and during winter, these areas become even more critical as they offer temperature stability.
Creek mouths and channels: These areas are prime feeding grounds, especially when the water is colder and fish are trying to find stable temperatures.
These are the spots I always target when I’m out in the winter, and they often hold a good number of fish.
Tactics That Work for Me
One of the best things about winter fishing for redfish is the opportunity for sight-casting, which is one of my favorite ways to fish. When you spot a redfish cruising or tailing in the shallows, it’s such an adrenaline rush. But getting that cast just right can take some practice.
When I see a redfish, I’ll make my cast just ahead of the fish. I try to let the fly sink a little and give the fish some time to approach it naturally. The trick is to make sure the fly is moving at the right speed—just enough to catch their attention without startling them.
Since redfish are often a bit more lethargic in the winter, I try to keep my cast gentle and deliberate. These fish are less aggressive than they might be in the warmer months, so they’re a little pickier. If I spook them, they might not come back for a while, so I take my time.
Fly Patterns I Rely On
As for the flies, I’ve found that redfish in winter tend to be a bit more selective. That means you want to match the hatch (or the available food) as closely as possible. Here are some of the flies that have worked for me over the years:
Crab patterns: Since crabs are a big part of a redfish’s diet, especially in the winter, I always carry a few weighted crab flies. A well-placed crab fly can be incredibly effective, especially when I see a redfish rooting around in the mud.
Shrimp patterns: I use a shrimp fly often because shrimp are another staple of their winter diet. I like to fish these in areas where the fish are a little more active, like drop-offs or creek mouths.
Baitfish patterns: Small baitfish flies, like minnow imitations, can also be very productive. On bright, sunny days when fish are cruising along the edges of flats, a subtle baitfish pattern is hard to beat.
Gear That Gets the Job Done
For gear, I utilize a 6-8 weight fly rod. This gives me the right balance of power to fight redfish without being too heavy for the lighter casting required in shallow water. My reel has a smooth drag system because redfish fight hard, especially in winter when they’re feeling a little more sluggish but still put up a strong battle. On a calm day, especially on low water and negative tide conditions, there’s no more fun rod to throw than a 6wt.
For leaders, I go with something around 9-12 feet, with a 15-20 lb test. I want something durable, but not too heavy that it affects the presentation of my fly. In the winter, a subtle presentation is key, but you still need the strength to land a fish if it takes off on a long run or belly crawls over an oyster bar.
Conclusion
There’s just something magical about winter fly fishing for redfish in Northeast Florida. The quiet mornings, clear waters, and solitude of being out on a skiff make for a perfect combination, and it’s often some of the best fishing of the year. While the fish may not be as aggressive as in the warmer months, they’re still there, feeding, and with a little patience, you’ll have some of the best sight-casting experiences of your life.
If you’ve never fished for redfish in the winter, I definitely recommend giving it a try. It’s a unique experience that combines all the thrill of fly fishing with the peacefulness of the colder months—and it’s a great way to experience Northeast Florida’s beautiful waters at their most serene.
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