February has got to be the toughest month of the year to fish. It is the coldest month, the seas are normally rough and the water is at its lowest temps. However, if and when you are able to get a break in the weather, there is still some amazing fishing. Since fall, the Louisiana Marsh, mainly the 9 mile area, has held more redfish than we have seen in many years. The colder it gets, the deeper into the marsh we go. The tides play a huge factor in where we go, mainly for safety reasons. A falling tide, combined with a stiff north wind can leave you high, dry and cold this time of year. I always enjoy fishing a falling tide, but this time year I feel safer fishing an incoming. Almost every pond we can safely get into has held reds. They are eating everything in their path. Just in the past few trips we have pulled mullet, cocahoes, eels, crabs even baby NUTRIA RATS, out of the reds stomachs! We have even found them traveling in packs of 20-30+ fish! On the sunny days, the sight fishing has been stellar. On the cloudy and overcasts days, blind casting points, drains, tailing and waking fish has been great too. Our two go to baits have been spinner baits(Strike King Red Fish Magic) and tight lines soft plastics(Matrix Vortex in Opening Night) on 3/8 ounce jig heads. We have caught fish on popping corks(Boat Monkey Popping Corks), with dead shrimp under them. Also caught a few on top water baits and crank baits. Since most days you do have to contend with the wind, braided line certain makes it much easier for longer casts. Medium and medium heavy spinning rods are a must and we really like the Okuma brand spinning reels(Trio, Vâs, RTX, Cedros, Helios, Epixor).
The best thing about February has to be the wide open sheepshead bite. Th e reefs and bridges should be covered up in those tasty âBay Snappersâ. A simple carolina rig with the smallest, strongest hooks you can find will work best. Buy extra tackle, as snags and break off are package deal for this type of fishing. Shrimp, Squid or small crabs should generate all the action you need for those tasty, hard fighting sheepshead. As always, especially this time of year, have fun and be safe..
Capt. Sonny Schindler
SHORE THING CHARTERS
228-342-2206
www.shorethingcharters.com