Inshore Strategies For Winter to Spring Transition
Inshore Strategies For Winter to Spring Transition tidalinshore April 22, 2026 Blog With saltwater fishing, the transition from Winter to Spring signifies a gradual warming of water, causing marine life to become more active, with fish moving closer to shorelines to feed, and increased breeding activity as the days become longer and sunlight penetration increases; essentially, the ecosystem “wakes up” after a period of relative dormancy during the colder winter months. Fish movement As the water warms, fish that retreated to deeper waters during the winter will begin to migrate towards shallow flats, bays, and estuaries to access food sources. Feeding behaviors During this transition, fish often become more active feeders which leads to better fishing opportunities as they replenish energy for spawning. Water temperature change The most significant factor triggering this shift is the gradual increase in water temperature, which will vary on location and weather patterns. Seasonal variations The exact timing of the transition will vary on the specific region, but generally occurs around the time of spring equinox when daylight hours become longer. Location changes Focus on areas like flats, grass beds, and shoreline structures where fish will congregate to feed and spawn. Tidal patterns Pay close attention to tidal changes as they can influence fish movement during the transition period. Remember, when water moves so does the bait! Bait selection As the water warms so will the presence of bait. If you are skilled in throwing a cast net you should be able to catch live bait during the Spring. Your second option are artificial baits. As I mentioned in my previous blog posts, my preference is to throw soft baits and suspend baits. I also like throwing top water baits in certain areas, or, if I see fish busting the surface I will start throwing top water baits. There is a huge thrill in watching fish bust the surface to grab your topwater bait. I would be honored to take you out on a charter during the Spring. Contact us today to book a charter. While on the website there is also a live chat feature to answer any questions you may have. Tight Lines!Capt. RickShare This : Featured Blogs Inshore Strategies For Winter to Spring TransitionApril 22, 2026 Inshore Fishing – Winter FishingApril 22, 2026 Inshore Fishing – Winter Fishing MythApril 22, 2026 Category Blog
Inshore Fishing – Winter Fishing
Inshore Fishing – Winter Fishing tidalinshore April 22, 2026 Blog The cold winter months have arrived, water temperatures are cold, and our normal bait supply is scarce at best. So what does one use to find fish during the winter months? Our job as charter captains is to put our clients on fish so live bait it is. My bait of choice? A trusty mud minnow. There are several ways to fish a mud minnow. Some like to fish a mud minnow under a popping cork, others prefer on a Carolina rig. My personal preference is simply using a jig head. When I am not on a charter I am all about artifical baits. I love artificial!! It allows me to cover a lot of area unlike live bait fishing. As often the case, your favorite fishing spots are not producing fish that day so we’re forced to go find fish, this is where artifical baits come in. Again you can cover alot more area when you fish with artifical baits. Always remember that during the cold winter months to use small baits and fish SLOWWWWWW. I have a few “weapons” that I use when I am hunting fish during the cold winter months. My baits of choice are Yozuri suspend baits, or soft plastic baits. These baits allow me to cover a wide area. When I find the fish there are usually more fish to be had in that spot so I work it hard until they stop chewing. So in close, it’s all about preference. My preference is artificial, my clients prefer live bait, both produce fish and can be very rewarding. Until next timeTight lines!!Capt RickShare This : Featured Blogs Inshore Strategies For Winter to Spring TransitionApril 22, 2026 Inshore Fishing – Winter FishingApril 22, 2026 Inshore Fishing – Winter Fishing MythApril 22, 2026 Category Blog
Inshore Fishing – Winter Fishing Myth
Inshore Fishing – Winter Fishing Myth tidalinshore April 22, 2026 Blog 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 Share This : Featured Blogs Inshore Strategies For Winter to Spring TransitionApril 22, 2026 Inshore Fishing – Winter FishingApril 22, 2026 Inshore Fishing – Winter Fishing MythApril 22, 2026 Category Blog