This December, Try The 12 Days Of Fishing Fun

The classic carol “The 12 Days of Christmas” might list out unusual gifts like turtle doves and leaping lords — but for us anglers, it’s just as easy to imagine a version of the tune that names all our favorite catches!

In honor of the festive season, here’s a “12 Days”-inspired itinerary of fishing fun you can enjoy on your next Blackfin Boat outing.

Day 1: Weakfish

Let’s start the 12 days with fish that are a little easier to catch, and work our way up to the big guys!

The weakfish may be more accessible to new anglers, but don’t be fooled: Its name refers to its weak mouth, not its agility on the water. Hooks don’t always stay in place, which ironically makes this fish a challenge in its own right.

Day 2: Spotted Sea Trout

Another popular fish for beginners — or any angler who simply wants a confidence-boosting catch — the spotted sea trout (or speckled trout) is an abundant inshore fish in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Coast.

Day 3: Striped Bass

Even as other fishing scenes start to slow down at this time of year, winter remains a choice window for catching striped bass! It’s a go-to just off South Carolina, where it’s actually considered the official state fish.

Day 4: Spanish Mackerel

The Sunshine State is the place to be for Spanish mackerel — beloved by anglers for its voracious feeding style that lends itself to live bait and artificial lures alike.

Day 5: Sheepshead

Want a shot at catching this unique, striped fish? Winter anglers will want to target bridge pilings and other similar structures where sheepshead tend to hang out. (Did you know the unique fish isn’t name for its exterior, which is not all that sheep-like, but for its unique set of chompers?)

Day 6: Pompano

Hanging out on the beach during your Blackfin winter getaway and want to do a bit of surf fishing? Bring along live shrimp to use as bait for pompano — which loves to hang out in the seafoam-capped waves that lap onto shore.

Day 7: Red Drum

Chumming for the popular red drum is a great approach while fishing the Gulf of Mexico this winter!

Day 8: Mahi Mahi

Mahi mahi is a thrilling catch at any time of year — but we think it’s especially fun during the holidays, when its shimmering colors will remind you of a holiday ornament or gilded Christmas tree!

Day 9: Bluefin Tuna

As we progress further into sportfish territory, you’ll want to devote some serious strategy (and strength workouts) to landing bluefin tuna — which is known for its powerful, twisty fighting style when you have one at the end of your line.

Day 10: Tarpon

Florida’s Gulf Coast is a great place to catch tarpon — often by jumping right into the shallow water for a hands-on fight. As is the case with all fish, you’ll want to check local size restrictions, since certain tarpon can’t be removed from the H2O.

Day 11: Wahoo

Fishing for wahoo is a thrilling addition to any offshore itinerary — especially if you’ve cruised south for the holidays! The popular tropical fish is a speedy swimmer, so you’ll want to troll at an even pace to cover as much ground (er, water) as possible.

Day 12: Blue Marlin

The triumphant final note for your musical Blackfin adventure? The mighty blue marlin, of course! Widely regarded as the most sought-after sportfish, the blue marlin isn’t an easy fish to catch — but with 11 days of fishing practice under your belt, you’ll be more prepared than most to try!

Which of the 12 days are you most looking forward to? We can’t wait to see the fish you catch on your festive adventure — though of course, just getting out there is half the fun! And from all of us here at Blackfin Boats, we’d like to wish you a very happy holiday season!