December Inshore Fishing on the Nature Coast

Captain Pete France
December 3, 2025
1:43 am
0 comments

When it comes to December inshore fishing on the Nature Coast, anglers are treated to some of the most exciting and rewarding cool-season fishing in Florida. The shift to winter patterns concentrates gamefish, clears the water, and creates some of the year’s best sight-fishing opportunities. As a guide who spends his life on these grass flats and creeks, I can tell you December is a month where patience, precision, and understanding fish behavior pays off in a big way.

Why December Inshore Fishing on the Nature Coast Is So Unique

The Nature Coast stands apart because its shallow flats, oyster bars, and labyrinth of creeks create a perfect winter refuge for redfish, snook, and trout. As water temperatures cool, these species move into predictable zones—often stacking up in deeper potholes, mouths of creeks, and sun-warmed cuts.

December’s crystal-clear water also gives anglers a rare look at the fish. Sight-fishing becomes a game of stealth and strategy, and that’s what makes this fishery special. Unlike other coastlines, the Nature Coast’s untouched shoreline and healthy grass systems provide natural ambush points and abundant winter forage like shrimp, mud minnows, and small pinfish.

If you want to dive deeper into seasonal fish behavior across Florida, the FWC provides great general biology resources, which you can explore through this helpful fisheries overview

Tactics for Redfish During December Inshore Fishing on the Nature Coast

Redfish thrive in winter here, especially during low tides that expose oyster bars and force them into troughs and channels. Understanding these patterns is key to success.

Targeting Redfish in Winter Conditions

During December inshore fishing on the Nature Coast, redfish rely heavily on warmth and food access. Look for:

Dark bottom flats that warm faster
Creek bends with deeper pockets
Edges of oyster bars on incoming tides
Shallow mud banks where mullet stir up food

Best Baits and Lures for December Redfish

Natural presentations excel this time of year. Shrimp and mud minnows remain reliable, but winter reds often crush slow-moving artificials too.

Top options include:

Soft plastics on light jigheads
Slow-sinking jerkbaits
Cut bait placed quietly near structure

Remember, clear water means fish see everything. Downsizing leader, soft casting, and taking a low-profile approach can make or break the day.

Snook Behavior and Tactics in December

Snook are more temperature-sensitive than redfish. When cold fronts push in, snook retreat to deeper creeks, holes, and spring-fed areas. When the weather stabilizes, they move back to points, ambush zones, and shallow cuts to feed.

Reading Snook Movements in December

During December inshore fishing on the Nature Coast, snook patterns revolve around:

Daily temperature swings
Tidal flow concentrating bait
Structure that holds warmth, like rocks and mangrove edges

On cold mornings, expect snook to hold tight and sluggish. As the sun warms the water, they often push shallow and become more active.

Snook Baits, Lures, and Presentation Tips

Successful winter snook tactics include:

Live shrimp or pilchards fished slowly
Subtle soft plastics on light hooks
Slow-rolled swimbaits

The key is slowing down. Snook in winter won’t chase the way they do in summer. Present baits naturally and let the fish decide.

Winter Seatrout Fishing Tips

Trout fishing explodes in December as large schools push into deeper holes on the flats. The Nature Coast is known for producing gator trout, especially around transitional structure and warm pockets of water.

Best Spots and Techniques for December Trout

Focus on:

Pot holes in 2–6 feet
Edges of grass flats
Sandy channels and drop-offs

Soft plastics under a popping cork remain a cold-season staple. You can also catch big trout on suspending plugs worked slowly over sandy depressions.

Essential Gear for December Inshore Fishing

Fishing the Nature Coast in December requires the right equipment to handle clear water, spooky fish, and slower winter conditions.

Recommended Setup

Rod: Medium-light fast-action
Reel: 2500–3000 size
Leader: 15–20 lb fluorocarbon
Baits: Shrimp, mud minnows, small pinfish
Lures: Soft plastics, jerkbaits, suspending plugs

Light tackle brings out the best in this fishery. It gives you casting distance without spooking fish and makes subtle presentations easier.

Winter Weather Strategy for Success

Cool fronts are a major part of December inshore fishing on the Nature Coast. To fish them effectively, you need to understand how pressure and temperature impact fish movement.

How Cold Fronts Affect Fish Behavior

Before a front: Fish feed aggressively
During the front: Expect sluggish behavior
After the front: Redfish and trout stabilize faster than snook

Plan your fishing around weather windows. Sunny afternoons after a chilly morning often offer the best action for snook and redfish.

Why December Fishing on the Nature Coast Is So Rewarding

December inshore fishing on the Nature Coast combines clear water, concentrated fish, cooler temperatures, and incredible scenery. Whether you're sight-casting to redfish in inches of water or easing along a creek bend looking for winter snook, this fishery offers something truly special.

It’s a perfect blend of challenge and opportunity—where understanding fish behavior, presenting baits naturally, and staying patient leads to unforgettable days on the water.

From giant trout to winter schools of redfish, December is one of the best months to experience the Nature Coast at its finest.

Planning Your Own Inshore Adventure

If this story sparks your interest in inshore fishing on the Nature Coast, a guided trip can help you experience it the right way. With expert knowledge of local tides, seasonal patterns, and tackle setups, you’ll not only catch fish—you’ll learn the techniques that make this coast so special. Just click here to book online or call me at 727-218-7969 if you’ve got questions.

For trip information, conservation guidelines, and tide forecasts, check out resources like:

Ready to Book Your Trip?

Booking your first Florida fishing charter with me is simple. Just click here to book online or call me at 727-218-7969 if you’ve got questions.

Let’s go Nature Coastin’—and make your first trip one you’ll never forget.