As winter’s chill prevails, some anglers embrace the challenge and head to the ice while others look south to warm waters and a legendary fish.

Winter is prime time in Florida for many of the fish species most of us dream about casting for. Red drum, snook, sailfish and bonefish are just some of the species to be targeted all winter and FishAngler is the perfect app to help target, catch and memorialize your best days on the water. Read on to learn how FishAngler can help you catch each of these great species all winter long.

Monitor the Sailfish Migration

Around November each year, sailfish begin to migrate toward southern Atlantic waters as northern waters cool off. FishAngler can help you monitor this mass migration, by letting you follow the success of other users who post photos up and down the coast. 

On the FishAngler map you can follow the catches of specific species to only see posted catches of that species. This allows you to monitor the coast line to see where other users are catching this particular species.  When you find a group of catches in one area and compare the dates of each catch, you should have a valuable understanding of how far the migrating species have made it.

Watch the Temps

Cold snaps can have different effects on different kinds of fish. Sailfish anglers know a cold snap means feisty, hard-hitting sailfish, while flats anglers know to look in deeper, warmer waters for reds and sea trout.

Knowing how your target fish reacts to a cold snap is paramount to success and FishAngler provides you with the weather data you need to fish efficiently. 

In the palm of your hand you will get quick access to an extended weather forecast giving highs, lows, pressure and precipitation chances. Your forecast will extend for a week giving you plenty of time to plan ahead on exactly where you will be fishing and what baits you will be using on your next trip out.

Monitor the Tide

Knowing your tidal data should be as natural as breathing to any offshore angler. Species like snook will ride high tides into mangrove flats to feed and you should, nay, need to know exactly when that high tide is. 

FishAngler’s tidal data is another function of the forecast feature, but gives you a tide chart for the day showing specific times and heights of each high and low tide. To access this information simply tap on the Forecast icon at the bottom of your FishAngler app screen, then tap the Tidal Forecast. You can scroll through the week’s tides with all the information you need and combine the info with wave size and wind direction for a proper understanding of where you want to be, when you want to be there and what to expect when you are.

Check with Local Anglers

All the information in the world can’t compare with the knowledge of a local angler who spends every second they can on the water. Even if you have your weather, tides, baits and tactics down, there is a good chance the fish will allude you. That’s where expertise comes into play.

On your FishAngler feed, you have the option of following anglers from around the globe, or locally. When choosing to follow local anglers, first make sure your location services are on and then choose a distance radius.

When you start following local anglers, don’t be afraid to interact with them and engage with their posts. Not everyone is willing to give up their secret formula for success, but they may be friendly enough to lend some advice on gear, tactics, destinations and specific species. Winter fishing often requires a slower retrieve because of the colder water and a local angler may have the info you need regarding that very subject.

You can also tap on a user’s post and get further information they may include like exact baits and tackle, line type, rod and reel combos and points on the map where the catch took place.

Watch the Winds for Wahoo

With winter comes difficult weather patterns and sometimes strong winds will keep the seas choppy, clouded and even dangerous. FishAngler’s wind forecast will let you know the exact day those strong winds will cease, giving you an optimal time to focus in on structures like sunken barges, or reefs. These structures provide shelter to schools of fish, like wahoo, during the high winds and stormy seas. 

As soon as you see the winds die down on your forecast, start picking one of these structures to target. You can also look for other angler posts on these areas to find valuable information on depth, bait type, retrieving speeds and positions of other wrecks and reefs.

Post It

For many, fishing Florida waters is a chance of a lifetime and it would be a shame to let your trophy fish be relegated to just memory! Don’t be shy, post those photos to your FishAngler account and show all your fishing friends. 

For those who regularly fish Florida waters, be sure and add detailed catch information for your own logbook. Your log will serve as a constant reminder of techniques, equipment, weather conditions and more. Use this information as a resource for future days to constantly refine and improve your skills.

Winter is prime time for a mass angler migration to southern waters. Warm weather and fish of a lifetime await anyone able to experience the Florida coast. Be sure to make the most of every day on the ocean by using FishAngler to narrow in on your bucket list species.

We hope all of our users find the fish of their dreams!

 

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