Current Fishing Pattern
We are into winter fishing patterns now in Charlotte Harbor, with colder water temperatures influencing fish behavior.
Fish have been focused on finding warmer water, spending time in deeper holes and canal systems early in the day.
As the afternoon sun warms the water, fish are moving out onto sunny flats to feed, making later-day trips more productive under stable conditions.
Productive Areas
The PGI canal system has been producing very good action, especially when fishing live shrimp on the bottom.
Deeper canals have been holding fish consistently during the colder parts of the day.
Redfish have been more scattered and are showing up along docks and mangrove shorelines rather than grouped tightly in one area.
The flats along the west wall have been active in the afternoons, particularly when the sun has had time to warm the water.
Baits and Techniques
Live shrimp fished on the bottom have been producing steady action in the PGI canal system.
Tail cut pinfish have produced some snook over the past week and have been a good alternative when shrimp fishing.
Species Update
There are some very large ladyfish around, providing consistent action.
Trout and snook have been active, especially in canals and deeper water early in the day.
Redfish are present but scattered along docks and mangrove shorelines.
Smaller sharks have been common on the flats along the west wall during the afternoon sun.
Week Ahead Outlook
Winter patterns remain consistent with fish adjusting to water temperature changes throughout the day.
Focus on deeper water early, then transition to sunny flats as the afternoon warms the water for the best results.
