More comfortable conditions, variety of bait sizes and angling presentations most are more familiar to receptive gamefish.

Story and photography by Danno Wise

December – it’s the end of the year and the beginning of winter. Those of us who despise the cold certainly have mixed emotions about this month and the upcoming season. While not appreciating the chilly temps and having to wear waders to get in the water, the fishing from December through January on the Texas Coast is typically par excellent. So, you would think those who have an adverse reaction to low thermometer readings wouldn’t bemoan unseasonably warm winters.

However, the benefit of higher temperatures is often offset by the fact the unseasonably warm weather can drastically change winter fishing patterns. Because of this, a good many inshore coastal fishermen who anxiously hit the water to take advantage of the pleasant weather are often surprised fish aren’t just jumping in the boat on those warm winter afternoons. Although there can be some outstanding fishing action during warm spells in winter, at times it can be frustratingly slow for those who are trying to apply their tried and true winter fishing techniques.

So far this year, fall has been a bit warmer than usual. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, winter will be more of the same. Should this forecast hold true, coastal anglers can expect temperatures to drop a bit and maybe even get downright chilly in short spurts, but overall it won’t be as cold as a usual winter. So, what does that mean for fishermen and fishing patterns?

Starting with a positive, the conditions should be much more comfortable for fishermen. After all, sunny and 70 is usually more pleasant than 40 and rainy. However, that doesn’t necessarily translate into better fishing. This is largely because when winter weather stays on the warm side, the fish will not be nearly as concentrated as they are when the cold weather moves in or found in the same areas they typically would be with cooler water temps. As a result, you can’t expect to fish like you usually would in winter just because calendar says it is that season.

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