The leaves have fallen and cabin fever is starting to set in.  You lay on the couch looking at the frost on the window and dream of wading into that flat in ninety-degree heat with a big Red on the other end of the line.  Grab your rod and bundle up to brave the cold, mid-Atlantic waters in search of wintertime prey.

Here in North Carolina there are many opportunities to pursue fish in the winter.  Just because it is too cold for you, does not mean the fish are down for the count.  Many hang around all year and some of the most “speck” tacular fishing can be done in the middle of winter. 

One of the largest sport fish in the Atlantic can be caught within sight of land in the winter.  If you like Speckled Trout, the old-timers will tell you November to February are some of the best months to fish for them.  Red Drum will bite when there is ice forming on your guides.

The biggest deterrent to most fishers in the winter is the cold.  With all the new high tech fabrics out there the cold should not be a factor.  I make sure I start with a wicking material for a base layer.  You need to begin with something that wicks sweat away from the body.  I then move to a fleece mid-layer, then finally a waterproof breathable outer layer.  Columbia makes a material called Omi-Tech that is the best thing since sliced bread for fishermen.  Make sure you dress in layers and do not forget your head, feet, and hands.  Neoprene gloves are indispensable.  Try to find some that have a way to expose your fingers to make knot tying easier.  Waterproof boots and good warm socks are also essential to being comfortable.  Lastly, consider a warm hat with a waterproof outer shell for keeping that noggin’ warm.

The Bluefin Tuna start to show up in mid-November.  These fish are protected under the Highly Migratory Species Act which means you need a permit from www.nmfspermits.com for $22.  These are big, powerful fish that migrate down from Nova Scotia (usually) following the large Bunker (Menhaden) down the coast.  They get to the Frying Pan shoals and usually turn around.  Some migrate over to Bermuda to spawn.  If you have wanted to catch a fish bigger than yourself, this is your chance.
 
 Bluefin can be caught as close as one mile from shore.  Christmas Rock (34.23.54 N X 77.30.40 W) and Dallas Rock ( 34.14.20 N X 77.30.40 W) have been some of the best producers in our area.  The best bite is usually just before daylight, so get there early.  You will need at least a 50W reel spooled with 100-pound braided line, an 80-130- pound class rod, and a 230-pound fluorocarbon leader.  Most people use an Islander-style lure with a horse Ballyhoo behind it.  Pink, blue, and white, or red and black are good color choices for the lures.  You will also need a rod belt and harness, as well as a pair of gloves to “wire line” the fish. 

The “average” Bluefin is around 250 pounds but that changes from year to year.  It’s possible to catch fish as large as 400-600 pounds.  If you are going to keep the fish, decide what you intend to do with the meat before you kill the fish.  Two hundred pounds of tuna is a lot of tuna.

Speckled trout prefer somewhat chilly water.  Hardcore trout fishermen can be found on the beach in December at midnight in the surf with a stringer full of big beautiful Specks.  This type of fishing will expose you to “purist” trout fishermen who believe a speckled trout should only be caught on artificial plugs, and if caught otherwise, you will have broken the code. 

 For this type of fishing a pair of waders is needed.  I prefer neoprene waders because they are warmer and safer.  If you fall in the cold water, they act like a survival suit and will keep you afloat and warm.  Very light tackle—6-10-pound test line—is needed.  I prefer braided line, like Power Pro or Fireline.  You also need an assortment of plugs and rubber tail jigs.  Plugs will vary in color from year to year, but some of the most popular plugs are Mirrolure Types and Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow types.  Find a slough when the sun is up and fish it on the correct tide at night.  Specks will bite in the daylight, but usually come alive in the cover of darkness. 

Red Drum bite all year as well.  In the dead of winter they will push to the far backside of creeks (closest to inland as possible).  The baitfish leave the waterway and go far back up in the creeks.  If you have a boat that’s able to get back there, the action can be hot and heavy as long as the fish are not too lethargic from the cold that they don’t bite.  The fish can usually be spotted, since the water is often crystal clear in cold weather.  There are a few different ways to fish for them.  I prefer Berkley Gulp bait fished on a jig head, but others prefer live bait if available.

These are just a few of the fishing opportunities to get you off the couch when that old cabin fever comes calling.  The truth is that some fish are just as active in the winter as they are in the summer.  You just have to know how to pursue them.  With a little preparation and “learning,” you, too, can have a good time fishing the icy waters of the Crystal Coast.

CAPT. CHRIS MEDLIN is a charter captain and a third generation tackle shop owner.  He is always available for questions at www.eastcoastsports.com or ecspoirts@earthlink.net.  For his weekly fishing/weather report, drop him a line and ask to be signed up.