January 3rd 2015 – Warm winter brings the fish up on the flats to feed. Most think that flats fishing can only be done in the summer and the fall. Well thats not completely true. In fact some of the best times can be had on the flats in the winter. Especially this winter.

December seemed to be the last of the November cold fronts that we get seasonally here in the Florida Keys. By the 20th of December our water temps in the backcountry and on the flats came right back up to about 70 – 76 degrees depending on where you were. Southerly winds and balmy days returned with air temps pushing the 80 degree mark and night time temps not getting much lower than 72 all contributing factors to the warmer waters.

Whats that mean? EPIC flats fishing conditions here in the Florida Keys. Since the 23rd of December and about the time our waters warmed up again the shallows have been loaded with sport fish to fish for from Islamorada to Key West.

Flats fishing In Key West I have been seeing ample shots at permit with my anglers on the flats. Most of these fish are really big and not afraid of much especially in the 10 -15 mph winds we have been experiencing. Crabs have been tough to come by for bait but not to worry we have had some great fish landed off of pink and white buck tail jigs. Among the permit a few bonefish have been spotted but nothing like the numbers we see in the fall bonefishing season. The day saver sometimes on our flats are the larger than life barracudas we are seeing sunning themselves in the shallows offering anglers a shot on fly or artificial bait.

The Upper Keys have been amazing as well. Redfish and snook in the park have been eating very well for the guys who want to put in the time to get to them. Redfish love the shallows this time of the year and make a great target for anglers wanting to fly fish or use artificial and live bait.

January is the beginning of our busy season here in the Florida Keys. If flats fishing is your game, give your favorite flats fishing guide a call and reserve a day. An affordable way to go for a day of fishing with charter prices starting at 425.00 for 2 persons. Check out our list of flats fishing guides.

Have a great weekend everybody..