Fishing Blog
Cold weather fishing can be brutally tough because cold water slows fish metabolism, makes them feed less often, and pushes them into small, very specific “comfort zones” both inshore and offshore. The flip side is that the fish you do find are often tightly schooled and very catchable if you target the right species and slow down your presentation.
Why cold makes fishing harder
-
In cold water, gamefish burn less energy, so they don’t chase fast lures or roam as much; they prefer easy meals close to structure or deeper water.
-
Winter often brings extreme low tides inshore, so fish vacate skinny flats and stage on nearby drop‑offs, channels, and deeper potholes.
-
Frequent fronts muddy the water and swing barometric pressure, which can turn the bite into a “grind it out” day where you cover a lot of water for fewer opportunities.
A good illustration for readers: On a clear July morning you might see bait flipping all over a flat; in January with a north wind and low water, that same flat can look lifeless while all the fish are stacked in a 6–10 ft trough along the edge.
Inshore: “cold corner” fish
Inshore during a cold snap, your best bet is fish that tolerate or even prefer cooler water and congregate around structure or deeper grass.
Top inshore winter targets for a Gulf/Florida‑style blog:
-
Sheepshead – Pile onto pilings, bridges, rock walls, docks, and oyster bars from roughly November through February, grazing on crustaceans; small hooks and shrimp or crabs are the ticket.
-
Redfish (red drum) – Slide off frozen‑out flats to nearby troughs, channels, and muddy depressions; they remain catchable all winter on slow‑worked jigs, shrimp, or cut bait.
-
Spotted seatrout – Stack on deeper grass flats (about 6–10 ft) with “clean” water and scattered sand holes; drift and fan‑cast soft plastics or shrimp under a cork with slower retrieves.
-
Black drum – Cruise deeper holes, channels, and beaches, taking dead shrimp and crabs when the water chills down.
-
Pompano – Work Gulf beaches and passes, picking sand fleas and shrimp along the bottom; they like cool, but not frigid, water and are excellent table fare.
-
Snook (in Florida) – When it really gets cold, they retreat into creeks, rivers, and residential canals that run a few degrees warmer than the open flats.
You can describe winter inshore fishing as more of a “sniper game” than a run‑and‑gun hunt:
-
Finding where deeper water and nearby sun‑warmed shallows intersect is everything; fish slide deep to survive the night, then creep onto warm edges when the sun is up.
-
Presentations must be subtle—lighter jigheads, smaller soft plastics, and live shrimp soaked around structure outperform big, fast‑moving plugs.
Offshore: cold‑season powerhouses
Offshore, cold water reshuffles the deck but opens strong bites for classic winter pelagics and bottom fish.
Key offshore winter species your readers can focus on:
-
Grouper and tilefish – Deep‑dropping over ledges and hard bottom in cool months produces quality fish that hold tight to structure in stable deep water.
-
Snapper species – Various snappers move between deeper and shallower structure; winter bottom fishing over reefs, wrecks, and live bottom remains productive.
-
Yellowfin tuna – Cooler offshore water often brings larger yellowfin that school up more tightly and feed aggressively along current edges and temp breaks.
-
Wahoo – Peak season is often winter, with high‑speed trolling along reef lines and drop‑offs turning on as the water cools.
For offshore, frame winter as “high‑reward but high‑commitment”:
-
Runs can be rough and cold, so fewer boats go, but those who do can find less pressured tuna and wahoo plus stacked bottom fish on deep structure.
-
Success hinges on reading temperature breaks and current lines, then committing to working specific ledges or rips instead of covering random water.
| Zone |
Cold‑weather “hero” species |
Why they shine in the cold |
| Inshore |
Sheepshead |
Thrive around cold‑season structure like pilings, rocks, docks; feed steadily on crustaceans when other fish shut down.
|
| Inshore |
Redfish & seatrout |
Tolerate cool water, school up on deep grass, channels, and mud, making them predictable once located.
|
| Inshore |
Black drum & pompano |
Happy in chilly surf and channels, still respond well to shrimp and small bottom rigs.
|
| Offshore |
Grouper, snapper, tilefish |
Hold tight to deep structure with stable temps, ideal for slow, methodical bottom fishing.
|
| Offshore |
Yellowfin tuna & wahoo |
Cooler temps bring them shallower and more active, making winter prime time for trolling and live‑baiting.
|
Fishing for Sailfish in Costa Rica: The Ultimate Sportfishing Adventure
Few fishing destinations in the world compare to Costa Rica when it comes to chasing the acrobatic and lightning-fast sailfish. With its nutrient-rich Pacific waters, year-round warm climate, and world-class fishing infrastructure, Costa Rica has earned its reputation as one of the sailfish capitals of the world.
Why Costa Rica?
Costa Rica’s Pacific coast benefits from ocean currents that bring abundant baitfish close to shore, making it an ideal hunting ground for billfish. Locations such as Quepos, Los Sueños, and Golfito are legendary for their sailfish populations. The country’s commitment to sustainable fishing practices—especially catch-and-release—has helped preserve healthy stocks, ensuring anglers have consistent opportunities for trophy catches.
The Thrill of Sailfishing
Sailfish are prized not just for their beauty, with their iridescent blue bodies and spectacular dorsal sails, but also for their fight. Known for blistering runs, leaps, and acrobatics, hooking a sailfish is often described as the pinnacle of sportfishing. On average, Pacific sailfish in Costa Rica range between 80 to 120 pounds, but larger specimens are not uncommon.
Prime Seasons for Sailfish
While sailfish can be caught year-round in Costa Rica, peak season varies slightly by region:
-
Central Pacific (Quepos & Los Sueños): December through April is considered the hottest season, with multiple hookups per day being the norm.
-
Southern Pacific (Golfito & Osa Peninsula): Action tends to spike from November to March.
-
Northern Pacific (Papagayo & Tamarindo): Sailfish appear in good numbers during late spring and early summer.
Anglers visiting during the right months often experience double-digit releases in a single day, a testament to Costa Rica’s extraordinary fishery.
Fishing Techniques
Most sailfish are caught using trolling methods with ballyhoo, squid chains, or artificial teasers to entice strikes. Fly fishing for sailfish is also growing in popularity, though it requires precision and teamwork between the angler and crew. Once hooked, the challenge becomes keeping up with the fish’s acrobatics while maintaining steady pressure.
Charter Experience
Costa Rica boasts a wide selection of professional sportfishing charters equipped with modern boats, skilled captains, and experienced crews. Many operate out of marinas such as Los Sueños and Marina Pez Vela, offering both half-day and full-day trips. The hospitality, combined with the thrill of the chase, makes for an unforgettable adventure on the Pacific.
Conservation Efforts
Costa Rica is a leader in catch-and-release billfishing, ensuring future generations can enjoy the same experiences. The country has banned commercial sailfish harvest, and most charters encourage anglers to revive and release fish after capture.
Beyond the Catch
What makes fishing in Costa Rica even more special is the broader experience. Between fishing trips, anglers can enjoy pristine beaches, volcanoes, rainforests, and rich wildlife. This blend of world-class fishing and eco-tourism makes Costa Rica a bucket-list destination for adventure travelers.
During the summer months, tuna can swim up to 100 miles a day chasing schools of baitfish — that’s like doing a triathlon every day, but with more style and speed! 🐟🔥 They're some of the fastest fish in the ocean, reaching speeds of up to 45 mph. No wonder they’re so hard to catch!
South Florida played host to Hollywood glamour as the third installment of the action film Cash Out 3, starring John Travolta, was recently filmed in the region — and Sportailor, Inc., makers of the popular Hook & Tackle® apparel brand, played a starring role behind the scenes.
Stan Rudman, co-owner of Sportailor, Inc., was tapped by friend and director Randall Emmett to assist in securing iconic locations for the film. Rudman knew just the place: “Luckily, my family owns and manages Playa Largo Resort & Spa in Key Largo, one of the finest resorts in the region. It was the perfect spot for the production.”
In addition to helping scout locations, Rudman opened the doors of Sportailor’s Miami facility to the film’s wardrobe team. “They were like kids in a candy store,” Rudman said, recalling the team’s excitement as they selected garments for the cast. Every principal actor, including Lukas Haas, Quavo, Beau Bommarito, DJ Khaled, and Sam Asghari, wore pieces from Weekender and Hook & Tackle — a testament to the brand’s versatile, coastal-inspired appeal.
“Being on set that week was incredibly exciting,” Rudman added. “It’s amazing to see how wardrobe brings characters to life, and I’m honored our clothing helped shape that vision.”
Meeting star John Travolta was a personal highlight. “He’s such a generous and kind man — and now a huge fan of our Hook & Tackle hat,” Rudman shared. “We grew up together and seeing him wear our gear is something special.”
As Cash Out 3 gears up for release, Hook & Tackle celebrates its continued influence in both fashion and film, bringing authentic South Florida style to audiences worldwide.
Fishing for Tuna in the Atlantic Ocean in March: The Best Time and Tips
March is an exciting time for tuna fishing in the Atlantic Ocean. While the peak season for certain species like bluefin and yellowfin tuna often falls in the summer and fall, March can still offer incredible fishing opportunities—especially in specific regions where tuna migrate and feed actively.
Best Locations for Tuna Fishing in March
-
Gulf of America – The warm waters attract yellowfin and blackfin tuna, particularly around deepwater rigs and underwater structures.
-
Outer Banks, North Carolina – March marks the start of the bluefin tuna season, with large specimens moving closer to shore.
-
Northeast Canyons (New England to Mid-Atlantic) – While weather conditions can be challenging, early-season bluefin tuna begin their migration northward.
-
Canary Islands and Azores (Eastern Atlantic) – Anglers targeting bigeye tuna can find success in these offshore European waters.
Best Time of Day to Fish for Tuna
Tuna are highly active during dawn and dusk. Early morning hours and late afternoons tend to be the most productive, as tuna feed aggressively during these low-light periods. However, mid-day fishing can also be successful, especially around temperature breaks and underwater structures.
-
Use the Right Gear – Heavy-duty rods and reels are essential for handling strong, fast-moving tuna.
-
Live Bait vs. Artificial Lures – Live bait like mackerel, herring, and squid are highly effective, while trolling with artificial lures like cedar plugs and skirted ballyhoo can also yield results.
-
Watch for Birds and Baitfish – Tuna are often found near schools of baitfish, which can be spotted by diving seabirds.
-
Monitor Water Temperature – Tuna prefer temperature ranges between 60°F and 75°F, so finding the right water conditions can increase success.
-
Prepare for Weather Variability – March conditions can be unpredictable, with rough seas and varying temperatures, so safety and proper gear preparation are crucial.
Why March Can Be a Great Time for Tuna Fishing
While summer and fall are traditionally considered the prime months for tuna, March offers less fishing pressure, early-season migrations, and the chance to land some of the biggest tuna of the year in certain areas. If you're an avid angler looking for an off-peak adventure, planning a March tuna fishing trip can be a rewarding experience.
For high-quality fishing apparel and gear, visit HookandTackle.com to prepare for your next tuna expedition!
