North Captiva in Jan advice

[flynny]

I'll be on North Cap for 5 days in mid January. I know it's not the best time for fishing, but it's better than being in New England :) . I plan to fish from shore and was wondering what I can catch at that time of year, as well as lure recommendations. I'll be using a spinning outfit. I have been on a charter in Captiva before, but it's not in the budget this time. I do hope to rent a boat for one of the days, though.

I appreciate any help, thanks!

[E-Glades]

Hey -

I have fished the West Evergldades area extensively from a kayak.
It is tough to beat a white bucktail in about the 1/4 oz. size. - white 3-4 inch curltail can be almost as good and maybe better in muddy water. real muddy water make it a red or char. headed with white curl tail.
Cloudy days an all black bucktail can outperform white. A small gold spoon also works really good. smaller than 1/4 oz. if it is a bit chilly - their metabolisms don't want a big meal. I have caught 8-9 species satnding on one oyster bar for the falling tide. fish tend to be all in one spot. 10 lb test or braided eq. is adequate for 95 percent of what you'll encounter. with 40lb. fl. leader.
find and oyster bar and some current and bump a jig along you are sure to hook up with ladys,jacks and maybe snook,trout, or reds as well. ladyfish are really strong and eager and travel in agressive packs - like your blues - very fun. if you can find open beachy areas - you may even encounter spanish macks and smaller blues within casting range - and you will know what to do then. also -
sunny midday can be good in winter.

I'll be on North Cap for 5 days in mid January. I know it's not the best time for fishing, but it's better than being in New England :) . I plan to fish from shore and was wondering what I can catch at that time of year, as well as lure recommendations. I'll be using a spinning outfit. I have been on a charter in Captiva before, but it's not in the budget this time. I do hope to rent a boat for one of the days, though.

I appreciate any help, thanks!

[flynny]

Great info E-Glades, thanks!!