Frequent cold fronts this time of year force kayak anglers to pick and choose their fishing days wisely, but if you can get out there on the right day, fishing can be epic.
In February, sailfish are plentiful up and down our coast. Finding the right depth is key when looking for multiple hook ups. Finding free jumping sailfish can help locate the best depth. Typically, sailfish tend to congregate in 60 to 200 feet of water. I will slow troll in and out of those depths until I get a hook up. Then I will try to concentrate my fishing around that depth. On an outgoing tide around the inlets have been great for me when targeting sails and or other pelagics.
When targeting these species my rig is fairly simple and the key for me is being stealthy. Make sure your reel holds at least 300 yards of line. I like to tie my main line directly to leader or use a very small, but strong swivel. I’ll use 5 to 6 feet of 40 pound fluorocarbon leader tied to a 3/0 or 4/0 circle hook.
Schools of mahi mahi will continue to be in kayak range off Broward and Palm Beach in 80 to 300 feet of water. Always look for the color change and weed lines as well as flying fish. Lots of schoolie dolphin will be found on the color change, along with an occasional gaffer or slammer in the mix. If a kayak angler wants to knock a sailfish or dolphin off the bucket list, this is the time of year to do it!
Many wahoo are being caught on an outgoing tide straight out from the Hillsboro lighthouse around the deep wrecks. Slow trolling with downriggers is your best bet. Recently, a kayak angler pulled in a 36 pound wahoo by slow trolling a live goggle eye off a downrigger.
Some nice kingfish, with occasional 20 pounders, are being caught in 90 feet of water. Most of the kings are being caught deep peddling or paddling back and forth between 80 to 120 back and forth while slow trolling. Also try around the third reef or the deep wrecks.
Extreme Kayak Fishing is proud to announce the new, first of it’s kind Exotic Round Up set to take place on April 8th at Lake Ida. This event will highlight the popular peacock bass and clown knifefish in a competitive setting. For more information on this event, go to www.extremekayakfishing.com.
Joe Hector
954-895-4527
Extreme Kayak Fishing Inc.
www.extremekayakfishing.com
joe@extremekayakfishing.com