Fishing the Gulf of Mexico on 12/7/2024: Mackerel, Trout, and Redfish Abound in Southwest Florida

For December 7, 2024, fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, particularly around southwest Florida, is looking promising. Here’s what you need to know: ### Tidal and Weather Conditions Today, the high tide is at 2:45 AM with a height of 1.17 ft, and the low tide is at 2:13 PM with a height of 0.0 ft[2]. Sunrise is at 6:34 AM, and sunset will be at 4:50 PM. The weather is expected to be mild, making it ideal for a day on the water. ### Fish Activity December is a great time for offshore fishing in southwest Florida. The Fall runs of Spanish mackerel and king mackerel are still active, and with plenty of bait offshore, these mackerel might linger in the area, providing good action even into late December[1]. Inshore, Charlotte Harbor is a hot spot. Trout are abundant on the flats with sea grass, though they may move to deeper waters if the weather turns cold. You can also expect to catch pompano, cobia, and bonnethead sharks in these areas. Redfish action is steady in the upper harbor, particularly in tidal creeks and river mouths. Sheepshead are also active around rocks, docks, and pilings[1]. ### Best Lures and Bait For inshore fishing, live shrimp is a versatile and effective bait for redfish, trout, and sheepshead. Pinfish are ideal for larger inshore and offshore species, while mud minnows work well in shallow, murky waters. Threadfin herring are highly effective for snook, especially during their season[3]. ### Hot Spots - **Charlotte Harbor**: Focus on the flats with sea grass for trout and other species. Tidal creeks and river mouths in the upper harbor are great for redfish. - **Artificial Reefs and Natural Rock Ledges**: These areas are good for gag grouper, mangrove snapper, hogfish, and big sheepshead. Use live shrimp as bait here[1]. Overall, it's a great day to be out on the water, with plenty of fish to target and favorable conditions. Just remember to check the local regulations for any season closures and bag limits. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.