February 1, 2011
Inshore Fishing Report:
February Fishing Forecast
While winter is still around the Treasure Coast and weekly cold fronts will continue to bring cool nights and lots of windy days to the area, fishing will still be good out on the water. Water temperatures can dictate where and how you might fish on any given day this month. When the water is cold, fish the deeper cuts and drop offs of the river. Sunny days will bring fish up in shallower waters to feed and the bite can really get hot out on the flats.
The trout bite picks up very nicely in February. CAL jerk baits and Deadly Combos are exciting ways to trout fish with artificial lures, while live shrimp on popping corks are the ol’ standard way to trout fish out on the river. Redfish can be found in shallow flats around mangroves and islands. On warm sunny days, the reds will sit around the mangroves and soak up the sun. Finding some along an island will bring some good rod bending action to anglers this month. DOA shrimp and CAL jerk baits can find some hungry reds hugging the mangrove lines when fished very slowly. Docks are a great way to find plenty of fish waiting for something tasty to drift under them.
Sheephead will be plentiful around the river and the larger fish will be coming into the river to breed. Live or dead shrimp around bridges, docks and structure can provide lots of action in addition to some great tasting fish. Sand perch and croakers should also be hanging around the inlet and bridges during February. Pompano around the surf and on the deeper flats of the river can be taken on CAL grub tails, Doc’s Goofy Jigs and shrimp or clams. Bluefish, mackerel and jacks will continue to haunt the baitfish around the jetties and turning basin. Shiny lures will keep you busy. There should be some flounder around the back sides of the jetties and on sand flats around the inlet area.
February is a transition month on the river. Winter has been much kinder this year on the Treasure Coast. We have enjoyed more normal winter weather and the fish bite has been good for us. Winds will still be blowing and the water will begin to gradually rise in temperature. Fishing your lures slowly will certainly give you more action on the river. Fish tend to be sluggish in the colder water. Working your lures or bait slower along the bottom will give the fish more time to react to it and result in more bites for anglers. Have fun this month and get out fishing!
Remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!
Thanks and Good Fishing!
Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.comcaptaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com
772-284-3852
