As December’s cooler temps settle in across the Emerald Coast, anglers shift their attention to inshore winter favorites—Flounder, Redfish and Speckled Trout—while also taking advantage of some underrated offshore opportunities unique to this time of year. Cold weather pushes many species into tighter schools, making them easier to locate once you pattern their movements.
Flounder remain a top target through December. This month offers some of the best action of the year as they move between the Bay and the Gulf, staging on natural and artificial reefs to spawn. Because of their flat shape, flounder stay tight to the bottom, often burrowing into the sand as they ambush prey. Look for them within 200 yards off the beach in 20–60 feet of water or around nearshore structure along Destin Pass and East Pass. Gulf Flounder and Southern Flounder are the most common; the larger female Southern Flounder can reach up to 28 inches. One perk for anglers: if a flounder misses your bait, they often return for a second strike—so be patient.
Speckled Trout push into deeper, slower-moving water during the winter. Look for them around deep boat docks, bridges, bayou drop-offs, and deep channels in Choctawhatchee Bay and around Fort Walton Beach. Live shrimp, pinfish, and croakers on a Carolina rig work well, as do soft-plastic shrimp tails. A slow troll is an excellent way to locate a school; once you get a hit, switch to live bait to maximize your chances.
Bull Redfish are another winter staple. Massive schools often gather in the Destin Pass, deep channels, and around the Mid-Bay Bridge. You’ll also find them cruising the edges of Crab Island on outgoing tides and schooling off our beaches when conditions are calm. These oversized reds put up an impressive fight and make for great catch-and-release action. Use lures or live bait—preferences can change daily. Because these big reds are spawning, be sure to use circle hooks, wet hands, and a rubber net to ensure a safe release.
Sheepshead, a cold-weather favorite, become increasingly active this month. Look for them around bridge pilings, jetties, docks, and rock piles—especially along the Destin Harbor and Brooks Bridge in Fort Walton Beach. Fiddler crabs, live shrimp, and sand fleas are top-tier baits. Their bite is notoriously subtle, so stay alert.
Black Drum also school up in winter and can be found around deep channels, bridges, and bay docks. Smaller drum are excellent table fare, while the larger “big uglies” offer fun, steady action on light tackle.
Nearshore and Offshore Winter Notes:
Calmer winter days can offer excellent opportunities for Triggerfish (catch-and-release only in state waters this month), Vermilion Snapper, Blackfin Tuna, King Mackerel (on warm fronts), and Amberjack (season-dependent). Many anglers troll for Blackfin just outside the Pass or hit nearshore wrecks for winter bottom fishing. On the coldest days, keep an eye out for gin-clear water along the beach—perfect for sight-fishing bull reds.
