In many parts of the southern regions, winter fishing comes to a slowdown, but some areas remain very productive. For this piece, let's look at a vacation spot for anglers around the globe, where back bay redfish and sea trout can be had throughout the winter months.

The key element to success with these feisty, hard-hitting, and great-tasting fish is knowing where to find them, what bait or lure will work best, and just as important, what rod and reel combo will serve you well. And, as always, KastKing has got you covered with great rod and reel combos.

Where to Find Redfish and Sea Trout in Winter

As winter approaches, which to some really is not winter but rather a cooling off a tad. Regardless, water temperatures are beginning to plummet well below the 70 plus degrees norms of the simmer. In winter, redfish and sea trout become a lot more predictable as to where they are due to the "want" for warmer water.

Spotted sea trout are the bright spot in winter as can often be found in schools near the deeper channel holes of 10 to 15 feet and in some of the back bay style residential canals. As the sun rises and begins to "cook" the mud flats or sandy depressions, the trout will move into these areas.

As for redfish, they are a lot more tolerant to colder water. I have heard of massive schools of reds gathered in one small hole at lower tides, especially those full or new moon tides which are considerably lower. Reds can also be found in back-bay areas where the water temperatures are more moderate due to being spring-like fed.

Best Times to Fish Redfish and Sea Trout in Winter

Winter is a time of sleeping in. There is no need to be on the water at first light when targeting reds and trout. These guys like a little bit of warmth after a cool night. As the sun begins to heat things up, this is when they shine.

Late morning to early afternoon tides will usually produce the best. Trout activity is best as the spawn begins – around late March. The larger trout (fish over 25 inches) will be lurking in pot holes or grassy flats.

The smaller juvenile and slot size (depending on current regulations) will move onto shallow flats to feed heavily on reappearing baitfish. If you can get on these flats during a light or no wind day, sight fishing can be excellent as the reds will often "tail" in the shallows.

Recommended Fishing Techniques for Redfish and Sea Trout

There are a lot of different ways to catch sea trout and reds.My favorite is smaller jigs or the MirrOLure 52M. A lot of anglers will use live shrimp as well. Live shrimp can be fished under a popping float or a standard float. The new KastKing Rekon series of rod and reels are perfect for both styles of fishing.If you want to target the larger redfish, you could use a Kong rod with a Kapstan Elite spinning reel. I would spool up a 15-pound KastKing braid of your choice (mine is Hammer). A size 3000–4000 reel works best, and for the leader, 10–20 pound Kovert fluorocarbon is recommended.

If you like fly fishing, I would stick with a 9-foot, 8-weight. This is a nice balance between power and finesse that allows heavier flies to work and cast in windy conditions, while also the ability to use lighter flies on the calmer days. A weight forward floating saltwater line rounds out the outfit. Flies, flies and more flies. For reds and trout, any fly that imitates a shrimp, crab or small baitfish will work.

Best Lures and Baits for Redfish and Sea Trout Fishing

Flies for Fly Fishing:

Clouser Minnow、EP Shrimp、Strongarm Merkin Crab、Seaducer (red/white or chartreuse/white)、Gurgler Fly

Color Tips:

Redfish: white, red/white, or darker colors to imitate baitfish

Sea Trout: olive, white, and black are best

Artificial Lures and Live Bait:

Live shrimp, mud minnows, fiddler crabs

Z-Man Kicker-CrabZ, Berkley Power Switch shrimp

Gold or silver Johnson spoons

Soft Jerk Shads (light colors)

Captain's Choice – Florida West Coast Hot Spots

The east and west coasts of Florida offer anglers an array of opportunities to tangle with redfish and sea trout. Although I fish both coasts, and gave you the tips needed to find them in most locations, what to use and what lures, bait and flies work, I wanted to give readers a sneak peek at one of the hot spots on the West Coast. Photo courtesy of Capt. Justin McIntosh.

In speaking with resident pro, Capt. Justin McIntosh (A homegrown Florida Guide) of "Call Em Out Charters," I learned the Homosassa and Chassahowitzka rivers, along with the surrounding creeks are his favorite hot spots.

For best action, the captain loves Q8 Super Baits and DraveUSA. The Q8 is a scented bait that comes in a variety of looks and colors. The shrimp imitators and paddle tail are unmatched when it comes to the response from reds and trout, plus many others. Capt. Justin will use these when sight casting, working pot holes, and mangrove edges. DraveUSA has a great line of topwater lures and other hard subsurface baits. They work great for covering water and searching for fish on the move. 

Capt. Justin combines his extensive knowledge of the local waters with these baits and lures, putting clients on fish for a memorable day. For a guided trip, you can reach him at 813-377-6282 or via Facebook and Instagram at "Call Em Out Charters." Grab your KastKing rod and reel combos and get ready for some action!

Know the Rules

Redfish and sea trout are regulated differently depending on the region in Florida. Before fishing, make sure to:

1. Check the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website
2. Consult a local guide or tackle shop
3. Have a valid Florida fishing license

Winter months provide a fantastic fishery for redfish and sea trout in Florida. Using a knowledgeable guide like Capt. Justin McIntosh on the Gulf side ensures a safe, legal, and unforgettable day on the water.

Tight lines and screaming drags!

Why do redfish and sea trout change location during winter, and where are they most likely to be found?

A: Fish behavior is strongly influenced by water temperature and metabolic rates — a view supported by fisheries science including NOAA and state agencies:

Many estuarine species (like redfish and sea trout) seek deeper, warmer, slower water during colder months to conserve energy.

According to NOAA Fisheries and USGS studies on estuarine fish ecology, fish in winter will congregate near deep holes, channels, mangrove shorelines, or spring‑fed areas where temperature differentials are less extreme.

Are shrimp and mud minnows scientifically proven as effective baits for redfish and sea trout?

A: Yes. According to fisheries biologists and saltwater fishing research, natural baits like live shrimp, mud minnows, and small crabs reliably elicit strikes from both redfish and spotted sea trout, especially in estuarine and back bay environments. These bait types mimic primary food sources documented in stomach content studies of red drum and seatrout (Peer‑reviewed in Marine Biology journals).

Why do redfish tolerate cold water better than sea trout?

A: Different species have varying thermal tolerances. According to NOAA and FWC posted studies:

Red drum (redfish) are eurythermal — tolerant of relatively wide temperature ranges (including cooler water).

Spotted seatrout are more temperature‑sensitive, often shifting deeper or into warmer microhabitats as water cools.

About the Author: 

Tom Melton is an outdoor writer and lifelong angler with over 40 years of fishing experience. In 1994, he served as Editor of The Fisherman Magazine on Long Island. He has written more than 5,000 fishing articles and columns and is the author of Fishing the Long Island Coast. Now based in Florida, Tom focuses on freshwater bass fishing as well as saltwater species, sharing practical techniques and gear insights for anglers of all levels.