January Report

Happy New Year, everyone I hope you and your family had a great holiday season—and maybe even found some new tackle under the tree. As the first real cold fronts of the year start rolling through, January brings some of the best fishing opportunities we get in the Everglades National Park and the Gulf of Mexico. Mild winter temps, clean water, and hungry fish make this one of my favorite months to be on the water. The cooler weather has the inshore bite fired up. The mangrove-lined creeks, deep cuts, and open grass flats are loaded with life this time of year. Snook, redfish, and seatrout are the main players, and they’re feeding aggressively ahead of each front.
Snook have been tight to the trees on higher tides. I like to work the mangrove edges with a soft plastic or a live pilchard. For redfish, a jighead tipped with a live shrimp on the bottom is still tough to beat, especially around sandy potholes and oyster bars. Seatrout are schooled up on the open flats—drifting and throwing popping corks can keep rods bent all morning. 
January is prime time for running into the Gulf, and the winter migration is officially underway. Spanish mackerel, kingfish, cobia, and plenty of sharks are moving through, and they provide non-stop action when the weather cooperates.
One of my favorite things to do this month is send a live Spanish mackerel out on the kite. The surface explosions from big sharks—tigers, lemons, and blacktips—are something every angler should see at least once. And while you’re waiting on the bite, don’t be surprised if a smoker kingfish rockets in and steals the show. 
 January weather can change fast. I keep SXM weather running on my chart plotter —not just for the music, but to stay ahead of fast-moving fronts and wind shifts. Always keep an eye on the forecast, have a backup plan, and respect the conditions. Some of the best fishing happens right before a front, but only if it’s safe to be out there. I also carry a Starr Batt with me on every trip where cell service is sketchy, its a great investment that will keep you in communication while you are deep in the glades or out away from shore. Stay safe out there . 
January delivers a little bit of everything—hot inshore action in the Everglades and fast-paced pelagic fishing offshore. Whether you’re poling the backcountry or chasing mackerel and cobia out in the Gulf, this month offers some unforgettable days on the water.
If you’re looking to get out and enjoy it, give me a buzz and let’s set up a half-day or full-day trip—on your boat or aboard my new Contender.
Visit www.gregpoland.com, and I hope to see you on the dock or out on the H2O.  Capt. Greg