How one local angler takes advantage of the cold weather to catch fish in Tampa Bay

As the coldest air of the year sweeps across Florida dropping temperatures into the 30s for some, captain Peter Smith won’t let the cold prevent him from fishing.

“Fortune favors the cold is what we say,” explained Smith, who doesn’t mind getting out on the worst weather days. “It’s nice because a lot of times we’re the only boat out there.”

Smith, a Tampa Bay fisherman, has learned to take days most fisherman stay home and turn them into productive fishing trips.

“We’re targeting trout and redfish. Most of the areas you’ll find redfish, you’ll find trout and vice versa. This time of year, if it’s going to be cold in the morning, we’ll get a late start, picking up at 8:30 a.m. or 9 p.m. on those days. But when it gets foggy and warm, I’ll pick up at 6:15 a.m. and be fishing at first light. We take what the weather gives us.”

Even more bold is how Smith targets fish in cold months. Wintertime offers extremely low tides around the new and full moons. On these days fish can be trapped up in shallow water areas and Smith will hop out of the boat, wading to where the fish are. By doing so, he stays stealthy and offers a unique opportunity.

“Most trips we’re using only artificial. I listen to what the fish want. Redfish seem to like paddle tail lures like the 4.5-inch Slayer SST XL or a slick lure straight tail that we can fish weedless,” Smith said.

“When wading we’ve got to wear waders. I look like the Michelin Man when I’m out. Long Johns, sweat pants, a waterproof jacket, fingerless gloves, a buff,” he added. “When the water is 58 degrees, you’ve got to dress accordingly or it’s miserable.”

On most days Smith and his fellow anglers are landing high numbers of trout with redfish mixed in. On a recent trip, he estimates 100-trout caught with the biggest at 24 inches. Another recent day with poor weather turned into a memorable trip with big redfish showing up shallow.

“Two weeks ago we had a pretty good morning. It was blowing 20 out of the north, raining and a negative tide. My buddy called me and we both saw the weather and thought tomorrow looks like it’ll be good,” recalled Smith, who didn’t mind the poor forecast. “We got a pair of 35-inch redfish that were tailing up skinny in about a foot and a half of water. It was awesome. We caught probably seven or eight big ones and were the only truck at the ramp.”

By being one of the few boats on the water on such days, Smith provides a trip most don’t forget.

Smith and his guided wade trips can be contacted through his website www.DoubleBountyFishing.com or phone number (941) 209-8090.