We're still thinking red...red..red, but a different species. December til March will be red drum and bigggg ones. I don't target the slot size fish, I want the big old bulls and on light tackle.
I start with light to medium 7 ft rod with a Shimano baitrunner reel with smooth drags, 40 lb braid helps set the hook in those tough lips and use a 5/0 3x circle hook. I spend a while finding some fresh bait, either live finger mullet or pinfish, or fresh dead chunks of ladyfish. I use large chunks to keep the catfish away and use just enough weight to get the bait down in the column, not on the bottom.
The best spots for the really big ones are in the cuts and passes....West pass to Crooked Island on moving water, and don't forget under the Tapper Bridge. West pass and Crooked Island allow for a drift, but slow it down with a drift sock.
You might even get a chance at a big ole shark....
