Targeting Red Drum, commonly known as Redfish, and Black Drum in extremely shallow water is an exhilarating style of fishing that’s often highlighted during the early winter months here along the Nature Coast. The pristine, crystal-clear flats surrounding Crystal River and Homosassa serve as the ideal playground for this fishery as the area will provide numerous chances to engage with these powerful, broad-tailed fish.
During the months of November and December visiting anglers are often rewarded with the excitement of encountering both species along the same shallow flats, as they enjoy feasting heavily on shrimp and crabs during the season. The unique underwater environment of the Nature Coast, with its serene waters and immense system of limestone flats and outcroppings tests the skills and patience of fishermen as casts will need to be sharp and free of snags in order to find a successful hook up. This combination of challenge and reward makes “Extreme” shallow water fishing for Red Fish and Black Drum a fan favorite for all anglers fishing with Reel Florida Fishing Charters during the remainder of 2025.
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During the winter months anglers often ask, “what happens if the weathers cold. Can we still catch fish?” Often times there is a little bit of a smile that hits our face before a polite response of “You Bet!”
With 7 spring fed rivers pumping 72 degree water into the Gulf there’s always a safe warm water area for our local species to thrive in. Although our rivers are primarily fresh water, nearly 90 percent of our fish population that inhabits these rivers are salt water species. Redfish, Speckled Trout, Tarpon, Snapper, Sheepshead, and especially Snook all thrive within the sauna like temps of the Crystal River, Homosassa, and Withlacoochee rivers.
Often times the colder the weather the better the fishing. Snook (like the one pictured above) especially enjoy feeding in the springs during the cooler temps and often gorge themselves on the numerous options of baitfish including moharas, needlefish, and ladyfish.
With the winter in full swing here along the Nature Coast we will continue to see great fishing in our rivers and in the Gulf. So wether its warm weather or cool weather there’s always something biting when fishing Florida.
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