A few Secrets and a winter bite update: Hog Fish, Snapper, and Rat Reds are on Fire

finseekers01
Jan 30
3 min read

Fishing enthusiasts have been witnessing an incredible run over the last two months. Offshore waters have produced some of the best hog fish fishing in recent memory, while mangrove snapper and gag grouper have also been biting aggressively out there. Inshore, the usual volume of trout has been lower than expected for this time of year, but anglers are still catching plenty. Meanwhile, smaller redfish, often called "rat reds," along with sheepshead and black drum, have been abundant and eager to bite in the intercoastal waterways. The key to success this season lies in using large live shrimp as bait, matching the fish’s crustacean diet during cooler water temperatures.

Eye-level view of a large hog fish caught near offshore reefs — A few hog fish from one of our recent trips!

Fresh catch of a hog fish during peak offshore bite

Offshore Fishing Highlights: Hog Fish, Mangrove Snapper, and Gag Grouper

The offshore bite has been nothing short of spectacular. Anglers targeting hog fish have reported some of the best catches ever experienced. These fish tend to favor reef structures and rocky bottoms, making offshore trips highly rewarding.

Hog Fish: Known for their strong fight and delicious taste, hog fish have been biting consistently. Using large live shrimp near reef edges has proven effective.
Mangrove Snapper: These aggressive feeders have been plentiful, often found schooling around structures. They respond well to live shrimp and small crabs.
Gag Grouper: Gag grouper have also been active, especially around deeper reefs. Patience and the right bait can yield impressive catches.

The combination of cooler water temperatures and abundant crustacean prey has made live shrimp the top bait choice. This bait mimics the natural diet of these species, increasing the chances of a successful catch.

A nice black drum caught on a 2 hour trip.

Inshore Fishing Trends: Rat Reds, Sheepshead, and Black Drum

While trout numbers have been lower than usual, inshore anglers have found plenty of action with other species. The smaller redfish, or "rat reds," have been out in full force, providing excellent sport.

Rat Reds: These smaller redfish are aggressive and readily take live shrimp. They often inhabit shallow flats and mangrove shorelines.
Sheepshead: Recognizable by their black and white stripes, sheepshead have been abundant around oyster bars and pilings. They prefer crustaceans, making shrimp an ideal bait.
Black Drum: These fish have been active in the intercoastal waterways, feeding on crustaceans and small mollusks. Using large live shrimp near structure can entice bites.

The intercoastal waterways offer excellent opportunities for anglers targeting these species. The presence of crustaceans in the diet of these fish means live shrimp remains the bait of choice.

Why Large Live Shrimp Works Best This Season

Water temperatures have dropped, shifting the diet of many fish species toward crustaceans. Large live shrimp closely resemble the natural prey available, making them irresistible to fish.

Shrimp size matters: Larger shrimp attract bigger fish and hold their attention longer.
Live bait movement: The natural movement of live shrimp triggers predatory instincts.
Versatility: Shrimp work well for a variety of species both offshore and inshore.

Using fresh, lively shrimp increases the chances of hooking fish that might ignore artificial lures or smaller baits.

Tips for Maximizing Your Catch

To make the most of this exceptional bite, consider these practical tips:

Fish near structure: Reefs, oyster bars, mangroves, and pilings are hotspots.
Use circle hooks: These hooks improve hook-up rates and reduce injury to fish.
Adjust your presentation: Choose weight size to match the current.
Time your trips: Early morning and late afternoon often produce the best bites but pay attention to your tide and wind charts as well!

By combining the right bait with smart tactics, anglers can enjoy a productive and rewarding fishing experience.

Gear Recommendations for This Season

Having the right gear can make a big difference when targeting hog fish, snapper, Gag grouper and red drum.

Rod and reel: Medium to medium-heavy spinning setups work well for both offshore and inshore. I'd recommend a 4000 sized reel on a 10-30lb rod.
Line: Use 20-40 lb test line offshore and 15-30 lb test inshore for a good balance of strength and sensitivity.
Terminal tackle: Circle hooks in sizes 2/0 to 4/0, depending on target species.
Weights: Inshore I tend to use split shot usually a size #2 or #3 and when I'm offshore I fish Egg sinkers and adjust them to my depth and current that given day.