Capt. Alex Gorichky
February in central Florida is different than areas north of this region. While areas just a few hours’ drive north is still gripped in a winter pattern with only a glimmer of spring to hold out hope. We in the central part of the state typically enjoy a true start to spring. With only brief brushes by cold fronts that have been weakened as the push east. Keeping in mind that March means wind for us, be sure you’re ready for those perfect February days that can happen with little notice. Calm days and cool clear water can put you in a sightfishing bonanza as redfish and seatrout move on and off shallow areas searching out comfortable water and food. We don’t have much for season’s weather wise, but guides and anglers around the Space Coast live by fishing seasons. Summer tarpon, winter canal trout, fall mullet run, and many others can be thrown about. One of my favorite, late winter/early spring (Feb) sightfishing for redfish! With a non-tidal nature the Banana River Lagoon, Indian River Lagoon, and Mosquito Lagoon have water levels driven by seasonal wind patterns. North winds of winter drop the water and South winds of summer raise the water. Of course variables can add a little or take a little, but it is a yearly constant that doesn’t change. So with the super low waters that have been cleared of many microorganisms due to the winter chill you are afforded the best conditions to see that redfish prior to casting. Artificial lures that land soft like the (SlayerInc.com) SST are great for this fishing, as is a live shrimp with a small weight to help cast if needed, or a fly rod. The ability to stand in your kayak will greatly help you take full advantage of this fishery. However, it is in no way a required ability. A slow approach to any sightfishing situation is necessary and can to a point negate standing. Many times I say in seminars, “go a slow as YOU possibly can, then actually slowdown from there and fish”. Meaning most folks idea of working an area slow is way faster than I would fish it myself. A great pair of polarized sunglasses like RCIoptics.com and that slow approach will make you deadly at seeing everything in the water. Again you need to move across your target area very slow keeping your eyes peeled for any movement or sign of fish. It also helps to practice transferring from paddle/push pole to rod in hand and set for your cast before a massive redfish is 30feet in front of you. “Buck fever” is real and it will make you fumble your gear like you have on oven mitts. Regardless of standing or sitting in your kayak be sure to make that cast quick and silent.
Capt. Alex Gorichky
LocalLinesCharters.com
Space Coast fishing guide
Kayaks By Bo team paddler
Contact Capt. Alex @
321-480-3255