Winter is a Great Time to Catch Some Big Catches

By Jonie Maschek

It is cold weather this month, well cold for us. I have seen many of our Northern friends walking to local restaurants in their shorts when those of us who have been down here a while are all bundled up.

When you dress for a day on the waterways, I hope you have some light colored clothing. If you have trouble out on the water, you cannot be spotted too easily in black. When a storm arrives, the water becomes dark, as well as the sky.

It is best to layer light weight clothes, instead of heavy, heavy, winter wools. A good wind breaker over light weight clothes will keep you warm.

Even though it's winter, people here in Florida can still get a severe sunburn. If you are not familiar with the sun, best protect yourself from the sun rays and wear Polaroid or some type of sun glasses.

Some think it is too cold to go fishing. It is really a great time to go out and catch some big catches.

As the cold weather sets in the fish look for warmer water. TECO power plant's warm water flow is where the fish like to go. Don't fish in the direct flow, but around the sides. There are several of these honey spots, one is near Gandy bridge and one at Port Sutton. So if you go fishing in the cold weather, cruise to some of these warm water flows.

If you can't locate a spot to fish, try following the birds. They are looking for fish too and you could come on a school of fish.

When you find fish, try not to cast into the school but cast the bait ahead of them or in the direction that they are going.

There are two main questions I have been asked weekly. What are nonresidents and what is a resident?

Nonresidents may purchase a three day license for $6.50; seven days - $16.50 and one year for $31.50.

What classifies being a resident?

Anyone who can continuously reside in Florida for six months and who has an intent to claim Florida as their permanent residence.

Residents do not need a license if they are under 16 years of age.

Remember: Florida residents 65 years old or older and possess either a resident senior citizen hunting and fishing certificate or proof of residency are exempt from freshwater licenses.

Bits and Pieces

Ruskin Bait and Tackle have added a variety of drinks for the anglers.

Shell Point Bait and Tackle has a great boat ramp.

Alafia Bait and Tackle can feed the hungry angler.

Fisherman's One Stop has a variety of anglers needs.

Bahia Beach has a huge storage area for boats.

Shell Point also has boat storage.

O'Salt has mobile boat repair.

There are boat captains everywhere, just stop by a bait shop and find a list of area charters.

Capt. Jeff Horne has The Fish House featuring smoked mullet.

Don't forget to look for the Fish Tales Liar's Bench. Boaters can see it from the Little Manatee River.

Good news, our fishing buddy, Frank Tichey is still in Tampa General Hospital but is out of ICU.

Go fishing, breathe the fresh air, and keep casting, it is the best exercise in the world.

A Bit of History:

Back in 1977....residents fishing licenses cost $3 a year.

Five days was $2.25 and $8 a year for nonresidents.