January brings some of the coldest water temperatures of the year to South Walton County, and with it, some of the most predictable fishing patterns for anglers around Freeport. As winter settles in, fish move into deeper, more stable water and often group tightly together, rewarding those willing to slow down and fish methodically. With lighter boat traffic and clear winter water, January is a prime month to target inshore species close to home.
Flounder remain available in January, though their numbers begin to thin compared to late fall. Around Freeport, anglers should focus on deeper bay channels, creek mouths, bayou drop-offs and areas where sandy bottoms meet shell or mud. Flounder hug the bottom during cold weather, often burying themselves in the sand while waiting to ambush prey. Slow-moving baits fished tight to the bottom are key. Patience remains important — flounder frequently strike more than once if they miss the bait.
Speckled trout are a top January target and often stack up in deeper water during extended cold spells. In the Freeport area, look for trout holding around deep docks, marina basins, bayou mouths and channel edges throughout Choctawhatchee Bay. Live shrimp on a Carolina rig works well when available, while soft-plastic shrimp and paddle tails fished slowly near the bottom are effective alternatives. Afternoon warming periods can trigger short but productive feeding windows.
Redfish are reliable throughout January, especially around oyster beds, creek mouths and deeper bay edges. During cold snaps, redfish push into deeper holes and channels, then move shallow on sunny afternoons as the water warms. Schools of bull reds may also be encountered in deeper water this time of year and provide exciting catch-and-release opportunities. Because these fish are in their spawning cycle, anglers are encouraged to use circle hooks and practice careful handling to ensure a healthy release.
Sheepshead fishing peaks in January as water temperatures drop. These structure-loving fish congregate around docks, pilings, bridge structure, rock piles and marina areas throughout the bay. Their bite is subtle and often difficult to detect, making light tackle and close attention essential. Fiddler crabs and live shrimp remain the top baits.
Black drum also become more active in January and are commonly found schooling around deeper channels, docks and bridges. Smaller black drum are excellent table fare, while larger fish offer steady action and are a popular target for anglers fishing from shore or docks during the winter months.
Nearshore and Winter Gulf Notes
When winter weather cooperates, calm January days can open the door for productive nearshore fishing in the Gulf. Vermilion snapper, triggerfish (catch-and-release only in state waters), and blackfin tuna may be available depending on conditions. Cold fronts often bring exceptionally clear water along the beaches, creating ideal sight-fishing opportunities for bull redfish on sunny afternoons.
January fishing around Freeport favors preparation, patience and a slower approach. With fish holding in deeper water and feeding less aggressively, anglers who adapt to winter conditions often find some of the most rewarding and peaceful fishing of the year.
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What to Throw in JanuaryA Freeport Winter Tackle Box Guide
When January cold fronts settle in, success comes from slowing down and fishing deeper. These winter staples — all easy to find at Ship’s Chandler — cover flounder, trout, redfish and sheepshead around Choctawhatchee Bay and nearby bayous.
Live & Natural Baits
- Live shrimp — The go-to winter bait for trout, sheepshead and drum. Fish on a Carolina rig or under a popping cork during warmer afternoons.
- Fiddler crabs — A must for January sheepshead around docks, pilings and marina structure.
- Dead shrimp (fresh-frozen) — Effective for black drum and redfish when live bait is hard to find.
Soft Plastics (Slow Is Key)
- Soft-plastic shrimp (natural or translucent colors) — Fish low and slow near the bottom for trout and flounder.
- Paddle-tail swimbaits (white, opening night, root beer) — Ideal for redfish and trout along drop-offs and channel edges.
- Flounder rigs & jigheads (¼–½ oz.) — Heavier heads help maintain bottom contact in deeper winter water.
Hard Baits & Jigs
- Suspending twitch baits — Excellent for cold-water speckled trout when worked with long pauses.
- Bucktail jigs — A winter classic for flounder and reds when tipped with shrimp or soft plastics.
- Terminal Tackle Essentials
- Circle hooks — Recommended when fishing natural bait, especially for bull redfish.
- Fluorocarbon leader — Clear winter water makes lighter leaders a smart choice.
- Rubber landing net — Helps protect large redfish and drum during catch-and-release.
Pro Tip:
January fish won’t chase fast-moving baits. Focus on bottom contact, slow retrieves and deeper water, then move shallow during sunny afternoon warm-ups.
