By Captain Krista 

If you think December means hanging up the rods and switching to couch fishing, think again. The cooler months are a great time to beat your “PB”: “personal best” (or ensure it’s better than your buddy’s) and a wintertime “bull redfish” (locally, over 27”) is the perfect contender. Tis’ the season for big, breeding bulls to spend time closer to shore, and there’s nothing more fun than catching a 35-40” beast on light tackle. Get the camera ready, let’s GO! 

The December redfish are all about efficiency – they’re looking for a warm seat and room service. The low temps invite hungry reds to seek the warmer waters of shallow grass flats and dark bottom areas where the water heats up faster. Plan fishing trips to coincide with the incoming tides from late morning to early afternoon (10am – 3pm). The clear, calmer waters in December make them easier to locate and target. But the fish can see everything, including bad decisions, so be stealthy and don’t spook the school. 

WEATHER MATTERS 

A successful day of fishing for these spooky spot tails depends on a combination of factors: water clarity, temperature, tides, wind, moon phase, weather/fronts, but it’s equally important not to scare them off before you even get your bait wet. The melody-making drum species, including black drum, redfish, and croakers, is very attuned to sound. They use auditory senses and vibrations to communicate, attract mates, locate food and detect danger so, don’t slam boat hatches or toss anchors, and in skinnier waters. Fishing is hunting, so treat it as such and you’ll increase your opportunity. 

LURE THEM IN 

We all know an indecisive eater, and redfish can be equally picky, or they might bite whatever you throw at them. Prepare for fishing a multitude of depths and conditions, and pack a variety of bait options to get their attention. Redfish will munch on soft artificials, a silver spoon or lure, attractants like “Fish Bites”, live shrimp or fresh dead shrimp under a popping cork, blue crabs, mullet, bait fish and cut bait. If you aren’t having any luck, switch it up. 

GO DEEP 

When fishing the deeper channels with moving water, cast upstream and allow your bait to travel with the current. Anglers fishing jetties or passes will find the big bulls by dropping a “Carolina rig” to the bottom, and allowing the tide to pull the rig along the bottom, with the boat in neutral. Be sure to drop the line on the “wash side” of the boat so your line isn’t underneath the vessel as you drift. 

WISH LIST 

The Heat Is On: Target dark mud flats and oyster bars. Darker bottoms absorb sun better; on a sunny afternoon, these flats can be several degrees warmer, drawing reds out of deep channels to sunbathe and snack. 

The Deep Cuts: Early in the day, fish deep. Look for holes 8 feet or deeper near creek mouths or “funnels” between mud flats and oyster bars. 

Sleep In: Unlike summer, the “early bird” gets a cold nose and no fish. Wait until the sun has had a few hours to warm the shallows (late morning to mid-afternoon) before hitting the flats. 

Watch for “Wakes”: Redfish will push into water less than a foot deep on sunny afternoons. Look for nervous water or “V” wakes that signal a moving school. 

Picky Eaters: Fish and women like options. If your current choice isn’t working, offer something different. 

Tackle The Job:  7-8 foot medium action rods for versatility, 12-15lb braid for larger redfish, 15-25lb fluorocarbon leaders depending on water clarity 

PRO TIP: Most of us can’t tell you what we got for Christmas last year, but clients always remember the trophy they bragged about all year long. So, give the gift of memories this holiday season! 

SAVE $125: FORGOTTEN COAST LIVING readers: $125 OFF all 2025-2026 ISLAND CHARTERS fishing charters and boat trips. BOOK before 12/31/25 using CODE: FCL25 at fishSGI.com or call 850.542.2542. Fully refundable. No expiration. 

Tight Lines! 

Captain Krista