Inshore Fishing – Winter Fishing Myth

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Inshore Fishing – Winter Fishing Myth

tidalinshore

April 22, 2026

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I often am asked if Redfish, Trout and Sheepshead are around during the cold winter months. The short answer, YES!

The key to a successful winter fishing trip is to know your target species as well as knowing where to find your target fish, and how that fish feeds. Sounds like a lot to absorb but in truth it really isn’t.

Here in South Carolina our true cold months are January/February with water temps dipping in to the 40’s (and sometimes even colder which can lead to fish kills). When the water is cold all you have to remember is, fish slow and use smaller baits.

I personally love fishing the Winter months, my target fish being either Redfish or Trout. If I am after Redfish I am hunting mud flats, if I am targeting Trout I am searching for shell beds in shallow water. The common denominator, shallow water.

Believe it or not, the shallow water can increase water temps by 4-6 degrees on a bright sunny day. I also do not seek moving water. During the warm water months Redfish and Trout rely on water movement to snag their prey. These fish sit tight and wait for dinner to come to them, not the case during the cold Winter months.

Despite water temps, fish must feed.

Redfish love to school during the cold winter months. I have seen schools of fifty redfish, I have also witnessed thousands of redfish schooling (see pictures). It has been my experience that cold water Redfish are particularly picky in what they choose to eat. I have had times out where I threw everything but the kitchen sink and not a single bite. My bait would be right in front of the Redfish nose and they would swim right past it. Other times it’s a feeding frenzy! I have thrown everything in the bag and the Redfish were all over it. So be patient during the cold winter months and figure out what the Redfish desire on the menu.

Trout are entirely opposite of Redfish during the winter months. Once you find trout, it’s on! Find shallow water shell beds near grass.

The take away during the cold Winter months is to have patience and fish slow.

Tight Lines!
Capt. Rick