[dropcap]F[/dropcap]ishing was actually red hot in February, although we were not able to get out often. Windy, windy, windy. Let’s hope conditions improve this month.
The buzz around our docks is all about the mutton snapper bite! It’s the best we can remember in 10 years. Our muttons haven’t been really big, but we’ll take a box of 4- and 5-pounders any day. Scale your tackle back a little for the muttons. Using 60-pound test main line with a 30-foot, 40-pound test fluorocarbon leader and a 4 OT hook works great in our waters. Small live baits like greenies or small pinfish work best.
The mangrove bite is still consistent but you better bump that leader up to 60-pound test. Sebastian mangroves often tip the scales at over 12-pounds. The reefs in 85 to 95 feet have been producing well.
Spanish mackerel have been popping up right outside the inlet and can be taken on small (3-inch) silver spoons. Just troll around the schools and it won’t take long before you’re hooked up.
Keep a sharp eye out for manta rays as you are cruising around. Cobia often travel with them and can be taken by presenting a live bait cast in front of their path. Have your drag set right for that initial run.
Kingfish are thick on the high bar. A small blue runner on a stinger rig is the ticket.