This week’s Clearwater skinny water redfish sightfishing charter report followed the recent stretch of abnormally cold temperatures that led to localized fish kills around parts the Gulf Coast. While the cold definitely affected some areas, the system remains healthy and we were still able to locate active fish by focusing on protected backwater flats that warmed quickly once the sun came up. These trips were run on our Gheenoe, which allowed us to reach extremely shallow water that most boats simply cannot access. Late morning incoming sun warmed the dark bottom and pulled fish onto the flats, and we were able to sightfish some big redfish cruising in as little as 6 inches of water. Instead of blind casting, my clients were spotting individual fish, planning the cast, and watching the eat — that's sightfishing at its best!. These one-on-one trips really shine in these conditions. With only a single angler on board I can pole quietly, control boat position, and take time setting up each shot. These trips are especially rewarding for experienced anglers who want to make accurate presentations and target larger fish rather than just catch numbers. Several quality redfish were landed, and many more were seen tailing and pushing wakes across the shallow flats. Even with the focus on redfish, the rest of the winter fishery continues to produce. Trout fishing remains strong with gator trout over 20 inches still being caught along deeper grass edges, and the clear water continues to make spotting sheepshead around structure surprisingly easy on inshore trips. Cold weather always changes fish behavior, but it also concentrates them into predictable patterns. By adjusting locations and timing, we were able to stay on feeding fish and experience some of the most technical and exciting fishing of the season.

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Incredible bite going on right now! No wind, great viability and big fish!