By Capt. GEORGE TUNISON

Southwest Florida cold fronts and ever lowering water temperatures kicks the sheepshead, trout and pompano, bite into high gear, so don’t let cold water and winters negative low tides get you down, as both can work in the angler’s favor.

During the coldest periods, trout will school and seek deep water channels, creeks, basins and marinas. Bunched up, competitive and hungry, once found it’s easy to catch a boatload, and also a good reason to smash down those hook barbs, to make release a breeze.

When it stays cold, think deep and slow. For example; I’ll be fishing Matlacha Pass using my electronics. I’ll start at the bridge and run the channel north, casting small jigs or shrimp up to the edge of the channel drop-off, then slowly hop it down the underwater bank as I move along. It won’t be long before a school of hungry seatrout takes notice.

After catching your trout, return to the bridge and close-by docks to test your reaction time. When it comes to stealing bait from a hook, the sheepshead is a true master. Sheep-fishing newbies will typically go through quite a bit of bait before “catching on,” so bring plenty. Keep an eagle eye on your line and rod tip and a finger on your line, to feel for any movement. Set the hook! Don’t over-bait your hook, think small pieces. Use small, quality, thin wire, ultra-sharp #1 or #2 hooks and fish vertically, very close to the structure. Fluorocarbon line offers abrasion resistance and is less visible to the fish. Use the lightest line you can get away with but remember that a big sheepie is a strong fighter and, you’re fishing in and around heavy cover. A 25-pound fluorocarbon leader is a good balance of strength, abrasion resistance and stealth. Add a split shot, hook and bait, and you’re in business.

When fishing a large structure like a bridge, be sure to move around if your spot isn’t producing. You might fish 4 different bridge supports with little luck then find number five loaded with fish.

It’s been said many times, “If you haven’t caught a tarpon, you ain’t been fishin!” and I would definitely agree. If you’ve recently moved here, you’re definitely in the right place, as we have tarpon year-round. Actually, this area is where tarpon fishing really got its start.

With migrating tarpon possibly arriving back in these waters as early as late next month, it’s time to get ready.

If you have no experience at challenging a fish bigger than you that’s also strong enough to tow your boat, one of the best ways to get up to speed is to hire a local guide. In a half day’s trip you will get a quick education, which will definitely jump start your solo tarpon career, and well worth the money.

The Cape is also the home to the largest tarpon club on the planet. Join and you’ll be exposed to a dedicated group of experienced anglers that will teach you all you need to know about catching the silver king with an emphasis on ethical catch and safe release tactics.

The Cape Coral Tarpon Hunters Club will be hosting its annual public tarpon fishing clinic and new member application event on Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. at the Lake Kennedy Center next to Sun Splash. It’s open to the public. (www.capecoraltarponhunters.com for details)

This time of year the roads, shops and restaurants are crowded with visitors, and local ramps and waters are crowded as well. Patience and a little courtesy helps make for a fun day on the water.

Start at the ramp. Completely prep the boat BEFORE entering the ramp – never in the ramp. Understand tide charts. Know the rules of the road. Slow down. Have tow insurance. Wear your life vest and kill switch lanyard. Find your own fish, giving other anglers lots of space.

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