As the cool north winds begin to blow and the temperatures start to dip, winter makes its way into the Big Bend region of Florida. For those of us who have experienced the change of seasons here, it’s clear that Old Man Winter brings more than just a shift in the weather—he brings an exceptional fishing opportunity. For many of my clients, wintertime is one of the best seasons to fish in the Big Bend, and it’s a season I eagerly anticipate each year.
During the colder months, the tides in the region drop significantly, and the north winds only enhance this natural phenomenon, pushing the water levels even lower. The flats, which are typically covered in water during the warmer months, now resemble the surface of the moon—vast, exposed, and full of new opportunities for the skilled angler. The shallow waters that are left behind reveal hidden pockets and areas where fish such as Redfish and Trout seek refuge in the deeper holes of the creeks. These deep holes become the focal points of our fishing strategy, as they are where the majority of fish concentrate to wait out the cooler temperatures.
This is one of the reasons why, during the winter months, we rely heavily on the use of an airboat. With the waters being so shallow, traditional boats aren’t always capable of reaching the areas we need to fish. The airboat, however, allows us to glide over the flats and navigate through the most difficult and shallowest areas, providing us with access to these prime fishing spots. It’s often said that fishing in the Big Bend during the winter feels like the closest thing to fishing in a barrel, as the concentration of fish in these deep holes makes the action incredibly consistent. For anglers who are fortunate enough to experience this type of fishing, it is undoubtedly one of the most productive and exhilarating ways to fish in the region.
But it’s not just the fishing that makes winter in Big Bend so special—it’s also the scenery. The sight of coastal marshes with no water, the exposed mudflats, and the sprawling landscape offer a unique perspective of this beautiful ecosystem that few get to see. As we cruise across the flats in the airboat, we often see wildlife and other natural features that are hidden from view when the water is high. From the perspective of the airboat, the landscape comes alive in a way that is truly unforgettable. This is a fishing experience that combines both the thrill of the catch and the awe of the natural world.
The next two months, December and January, are truly the prime time for winter fishing in the Big Bend. During this time, we focus our efforts around the New Moon and Full Moon tides, which bring the most dramatic tidal shifts and create the best conditions for targeting Redfish and Trout. These lunar phases are critical for fishing success, as they lead to the lowest tides and, consequently, the most accessible fishing holes. Due to the limited number of days we fish on these ideal tidal windows, trips during this time are highly sought after and therefore limited in availability.
If you’ve ever wanted to experience the thrill of winter fishing in the Big Bend, I encourage you to reach out as soon as possible to secure your spot. This is a unique opportunity to fish in one of Florida’s most pristine and untouched regions during its most productive season. The combination of world-class fishing and breathtaking scenery makes for an experience unlike any other, and I’d love to share it with you. Contact us soon to book your trip, as availability is limited and prime fishing days are in high demand. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable winter adventure.