Just when we thought we had this year’s storm season in the rear-view, along comes another strong reminder of the unpredictability of weather. I hope no one was harmed or their property not too damaged unlike the recent Kentucky area tornado victims that have had to endure such pain and devastation.

This past Tuesday morning, I had to call my out-of-town, soon-to-be neighbor and say something I never thought I would ever be saying, “The walls blew down on your new house!”

Hopefully it’s over for the year and for our local anglers, we have something for everyone this Christmas fishing season. From late season tarpon; offshore snapper and even kingfish, which many thought had already left our area to head south; river and canal dock snook; to bedding largemouth bass. Redfish are still doing their usual, patrol the bars and forage under the high water mangroves routine, while nearshore tripletail are not only found under crab floats but nearly anything floating in the Gulf. Nearshore reefs are reportedly still hosting beautiful permit so get those silver dollar-sized crabs in the live box before starting your day’s hunt.

While you’re out running crab floats, keep in mind a cobia might show up anytime, and a live pinfish or big white bait tossed their way usually results in a battle with this great fighting and delicious-on-the-grill fish that grows to really large sizes, like the all-tackle record weight of 135.9 pounds.

If you’re a fan of this powerful fish, just think of the luck and skill required to set two world line class records like the 2-pound test record of 46.4 pounds and the 4-pound line world record weighing 73.10 pounds!

I’m seeing tasty sheepshead around my dock but cooler weather will really get the bite going as well as turning on the local trout even more over local 3 to 5-foot deep grass flats.

Cooling temperatures will also up your chances at connecting with one of Florida’s tastiest fish, the pompano. Mr. P might show up anywhere but typically good action occurs around the pass edges and bars.

If you are new to the area, don’t think that grouper is all folks eat around here. If you haven’t tried sheepshead, hog fish, pompano and snapper, make sure you do before you head home. All are delicious crab-stuffed and baked, broiled or lightly sautéed.

Unseasonably warm waters mixed with big bait schools have generated reports of tarpon still hanging out chasing bait along our coast. Scout around for a last shot at a 2021 tarpon or treat yourself to a guided back country trip in the 10,000 Islands sight fishing the mangrove edges and open bays with light tackle.

Because of the bugs and heat, winter is the best time to be in the 10,000 Islands and Flamingo, but with summer still trying to hang on, be well prepared with the proper attire and bug defense chemicals if you decide to trailer down or hire a guide to show you the area this month or the next.

Another offbeat trip for those who enjoy new angling and species adventures is to do a peacock bass and clown knife trip in the lakes and canals on the east coast. Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties are the place to fish and guided trips are relatively cheap especially split between two anglers.

Introduced into Florida waters in 1984 by our FWC, the peacock bass, a non-native Amazon River cichlid species, seems to like Florida’s warm waters so far producing a beautiful state record fish weighing 9.11 pounds. These same waters also hold the unusual clown knife fish which are growing to large sizes as well and put up quite a good show on light tackle.

Wishing everyone a new boat, new gear, good health and good cheer, this Christmas season.

Merry Christmas!

Capt. George Tunison is a Cape Coral resident fishing guide. Contact him at 239-282-9434 or captgeorget3@aol.com.