Winter Observations from the Water
Winter has a way of removing noise from the water. Bait thins out. Tides run lower. Water clears. What remains are patterns that reward patience, precision, and restraint.
To launch our Logbook Learnings series, we partnered with Capt. Ryan Howard of Redfin Charters in Charleston, South Carolina. His days on the water during winter reveal a season that does not demand more effort, but better decisions. Below are the key observations from the field.
Low Tides Concentrate the Answer
Winter low tides make redfish easier to find, not because there are more fish, but because there are fewer places for them to hide. As water drains off the flats, redfish are pulled together and forced into deeper holes, depressions, and bends. Creek mouths also become high-percentage areas when fish can no longer remain farther up the system.
Rather than covering water, winter rewards anglers who identify a flat with a nearby hole and allow the tide to do the work. When the water leaves, the fish show themselves. This is when redfish are most predictable and most concentrated.
Wind Alters Both Fish and Conditions
Wind plays a significant role in winter fishing. It directly affects tide height and water clarity, often more than the forecast suggests. Wind can push additional water into the system or pull it out, making predicted tides higher or lower than expected.
Higher water spreads fish out and lowers visibility. Lower water concentrates them into smaller areas and improves sight fishing opportunities. Wind also introduces surface chop and muddies the water, which works against anglers during a season when seeing fish is often the key to success. Calm days consistently provide the best winter conditions.
Cold Fronts Tighten the Pattern
Cold fronts shift redfish behavior immediately. As temperatures drop, fish slide into deeper holes and tighter creek bends. They continue to feed, but their preference changes toward smaller, slower meals.
Temperature drops also cause redfish to school more tightly. When you locate one fish, there are usually many more sitting with it. On bluebird days that follow a front, fish see exceptionally well and spook easily. During these conditions, redfish are often found over hard or muddy bottoms that retain warmth from the sun, using shallow depth as both protection and temperature control.
Clear Water Reveals Winter Behavior
Clear winter water exposes how unhurried redfish become during colder months. Fish move slowly, expend less energy, and often group together in large schools that can number anywhere from fifty to several hundred fish.
This makes sight fishing exciting but unforgiving. Winter redfish are rarely aggressive and are easily spooked. The wrong cast can shut down an entire school. Leading the fish by distance and allowing them to approach the lure naturally is far more effective than casting directly at them. Subtle movements keep fish interested. Erratic action ends the opportunity quickly.
Where Redfish Stage in Winter
During winter months, redfish position themselves where predators struggle to reach them. Large shallow sand and mud flats are common staging areas, particularly spots just shy of the bank where the water holds the most warmth.
Fish are also frequently found far back in tidal creeks, grouped tightly in bends or cuts. These locations offer protection, consistent depth, and slightly warmer water. Winter success comes from understanding that redfish choose safety and efficiency over mobility this time of year.
Tackle Wins in Cold, Clear Water
Winter tackle success is built on restraint. Smaller profiles, natural colors, and lighter leaders consistently outperform loud or aggressive setups. Capt. Ryan’s go-to winter redfish setup is a Z-Man Ned Rig, specifically a 1/10 oz Z-Man Nedlockz HD jighead paired with a Finesse TRD in Beer Run.
Leader choice becomes critical in clear water. Dropping down to a 15 lb leader reduces visibility and helps prevent fish from flaring off at the last moment. Presentation matters just as much as gear. Slow hops, minimal movement, and patience allow fish to commit on their terms.
The Winter Takeaway
Winter does not require fishing harder. It rewards fishing smarter.
Let the tide concentrate fish. Avoid wind when possible. Expect fish to move slowly and react quickly to pressure. Subtle decisions matter more than aggressive action.
Logbook Learnings is built from real days on the water, shared to help anglers read conditions and adjust when it matters most. Volume 1 is just the beginning.
