February 2016: Cold weather - Hot Fishing

Even with some very cold days, the fishing has been hot !

The trout action is still as good as it can get, with limits being boated on most days.  Just like last month, the fish are in tight on the cold days and move out after a couple of warm days.  Glow jerk baits and jigs on a 1/8 oz jig head is all that's needed to keep the action going.

The main action has been offshore on the shallow rocks.  Big sheepshead, grouper and grunts have been in a feeding frenzy.  The big sheepshead have moved in and we have landed some monsters.  The largest this year, a 12 pounder took a small live shrimp on a 1/4 oz red jig head.  At first we thought it was a big grouper since we've been catching and releasing a lot of gags.  But, it turned out to be a huge sheepy.  Remember, the bag limit on sheepshead is 15 per person, however, keep only what you can eat and release the others to protect this great resource.

Back inside, the red fish action has also been great !

We're finding them in the holes in the river and creeks on the cold days, and around the islands on the warm days.  Live shrimp is always a sure bet this time of year, but artificial, jerk baits, gold spoons, and jigs will all produce, but a slow presentation is a must.

Again, it's been a pleasure fishing with all my friends and guests, and I look forward to March for  more great fishing on the Nature Coast.  Capt Mark