Low Clear Water: Sight Fishing Success Techniques

January 2026 is bringing some great sight fishing conditions on the flats of the Mosquito Lagoon and surrounding waters. The waters are some of the lowest I have seen in quite a while and the clarity is about as good as it gets. These conditions make sight fishing absolutely perfect. We will have to watch he cold conditions and see what effect they will have on fish; especially temperature sensitive species like snook and tarpon. However, I want to give some tips for having sight fishing success during these challenging times.

Clear, low water means that we will change tactics some, going to lighter gear and longer leaders on both the fly fishing gear and the conventional tackle. Fly anglers will find the use of smaller flies and longer, lighter leaders will lead to more success. My leaders will be a minimum of 12 feet, at the average tippet will drop to 8-12 pounds, depending on location. Conventional tackle will also get smaller, with many casts being made with finesse baits and rigs; thankfully, Z-Man makes exceptional baits and rigs just for this purpose. Like fly fishing, I will also use longer, lighter leaders on conventional gear.

Ray Stansberry and I discuss the importance of downsizing during the winter fishing.

Many of the redfish will be schooled up for the next few months. This can make targeting them a little difficult, as there are so many eyes and lateral lines that can sense danger. It's during these times anglers need to remain alert, poling needs to slow down, and teamwork is paramount to success. Anglers need to keep rods lower to the water, making casts parallel to the water's surface. This will help keep the cast unseen and reflection from rods to a minimum. Anglers also have to learn how to work the outside edges of schools and avoid dropping flies or jigs into the middle of them. It's no always easy, as you can't always see the fish on the outside edges. But, giving the school plenty of room and slowly working from the outside, in, can dramatically improve your chances of success.

Flip Pallot shows how it done with lighter gear during low, clear water conditions. (Forever in our hearts).

In addition to perfect sight fishing conditions, it's also a great time to enjoy some topwater activity. Making long casts with topwater plugs and popper flies can lead to some exciting fishing. Seatrout and redfish will both explode on topwater, adding a visual aspect to fishing that is unsurpassed. I typically try more subtle topwater flies and plugs in the beginning and then change them out if the activity isn't what I am expecting.

These fishing conditions should last for the next few months. So if sight fishing redfish, black drum, and sea trout is your thing, give me a call and let's get you on the water. (386) 314-5998 or email captainjohn@tailhunteroutdooradventures.com

Until next time, Tight Lines and Screaming Drags!