While January gave some opportunities to get out early, late January brought very cold temperatures and some snow, making the kids happy, and the anglers concerned. Rightfully so. All of our local water bodies that tend to over winter speckled trout are currently loaded with dead and stunned fish. We seem to have gotten through the deep freeze, though, and hopefully some warmer temperatures and sunshine can help the fish barely hanging on to push through. This is part of the life cycle of fish residing at the northern end of their range. It isn’t the first time it has happened, and it certainly won’t be the last. What we can do as anglers to protect them, though, is something we can control.
As of January 24th, North Carolina closed their trout season until (at least) June 15. Four days later, the VMRC held their monthly meeting, and there was no mention of spotted sea trout or any discussion to follow in step. Furthermore, pictures abound of folks scooping up stunned fish and harvesting them, removing possible survivors, particularly those that appear to be more cold-hardy, from the spawning population moving forward. The VECOS (Virginia Ecological Coastal Observing System) uses past data to identify when a cold stun occurs. An alert is in place when we see 8 days of water temperatures below 41F or one day below 37.4F. According to water temperatures measured at York Spit, we fell below the 1-day cold stun threshold on January 20th and didn’t cross back over until January 28th. Furthermore, the East Branch Elizabeth fell below this line on the 20th of January and didn’t return until the 25th. I don’t know if the VMRC is going to consider any changes to our trout season or harvest regulations, but if you do continue targeting speckled trout through the remainder of the winter and during the spring season, please consider releasing them. This will be the broodstock for the next generation of Virginia’s wonderful trout fishery.
In better news, the more cold-hardy redfish came through this same cold snap relatively well. There were certainly losses, but not only is the population healthy, they’ve also been accessible. Warm days will find them more active, and warm and sunny days will find them both active and shallow. Fly anglers especially can take advantage of these fish being in the shallow winter-clear water with delicate presentations and small flies. Natural-looking crustacean patterns, sized down (hook sizes 2 or 4) for fish with low metabolism, can be landed more closely than heavier lures – giving the long-rodder an advantage. Lighter leaders are also important, sizing down to 12 or even 10-pound tippets. These redfish won’t rush over to smash the fly like other times of the year, but a slow retrieve under the fish’s nose will still induce a bite. Spin anglers looking to get in this game will have to downsize accordingly, as well. Longer fluorocarbon leaders at the end of the braided line in the 8 or 10 lb range are going to aid in a more subtle presentation. Z-man’s Salty Ned Rig shrimp, Buggs Fishing lures, and rat-tail style lures like the Lil’ John on light jigs are reliable winter baits. Again, natural colors matching the bottom can help with spooky fish in shallow water, but good old “pearl” is tough to beat this time of year, as well. Those who complain of Gulp! baits getting torn apart by non-game fish in the summer don’t have to worry about that this time of year, and it’s tough to argue that the scent hasn’t made up a puppy drum’s mind to bite when it’s unsure.
It may not be peak season out there, but there are still opportunities for local shallow-water anglers, especially on the days that we find it more comfortable on the water. Take advantage of them when you can, and if you’d like to get out there but don’t have the boat or could use some tips to be more successful this time of year – don’t hesitate to reach out. We still have several dates available, and February is the best time to get on the calendar on short notice when the weather is right. The tug is still there to cure your winter blues (until the spring brings a different kind of blues up the coast and into our waters). Hope to see you out there!
Comments