Q I know that from December through March, you take a chance if you fish in the Bahamas or southern Florida’s salt waters. Is there any way I can hedge my bets against the cold and the wind?
During the winter months, it seems a cold front comes through southern Florida about twice a week. You’ll get a front, followed by clear skies and a stiff breeze. Then a day or two of good weather swings through, followed by another front.
Two things might help. Plan to stay at least six fishing days, realizing that at least two or three may not be favorable. Second, consider where you fish. If you are going to fish flats that are well away from deep water, you may have a problem. If the temperature on these flats drops during a cold spell, it may take several days for the water to warm. If you have to fish such an area, try fishing where the bottom is dark or is covered with turtle grass. Often temperatures in such areas will be several degrees higher than in a light-colored flat. You can also fish flats that are near deep water. Each incoming tide will flood the flats with considerably warmer water.
