Text & Photos by Patrick “Tupat” Eichstaedt // @TheRealTupat

Powered by: Off The Hook at Inlet Harbor & Tupat’s Hawaiian Seasonings and Poke Sauce

After a long hot fall, we are finally feeling the colder shift into winter and the river water is really starting to get clarity. I myself did not fish for the past five weeks with a bad flu and a small case of vertigo, but this past week I’ve immersed myself back into the action. 

Florida Fishing in December

Most recently, I had some new friends and fellow ambassadors of Pau Hana Surf Supply, my paddle board sponsor, come and visit New Smyrna to enjoy the backwaters of Bethune Beach. We had an amazing time and captured some amazing imagery. Kevin and Christian were from Buffalo, New York and recently had their first child. His name is Ocean and he is a natural born waterman in the making, pictured below with his first trout! 

The larger trout are starting to move in, and the snook are still lingering so be on the lookout for these species. The bottom is filled with flounder right now, as well. Towards the end of November I was able to sight cast a beautiful redfish (pictured below) utilizing a topwater plug in about a foot of water. 

The bait is really starting to fill in and the schools of redfish will be showing sooner than later. Keep your patience and look for good tides and light winds moving into December. 

Until next issue… Cast ‘em, Hook ‘em and Catch ‘em! 

December 2019 Tide Chart: