As we enter the month of February, we welcome all of our northern visitors who come to our area for the beautiful weather, sandy beaches and the opportunity to catch their ‘fish of a lifetime’. February is the perfect month to target many species that migrate to our waters from the Gulf! The sheepshead and Spanish mackerel are plentiful in the passes, as well as along docks, mangroves and pilings in the flats. Both species are a lot of fun to catch on light tackle and will put up a good fight with lots of excitement for the angler. One of the challenges we face this month are winds from the north and lower tides, as well as cooler early morning temperatures. When preparing to go out for the day, I always layer up my clothing so that as the flats warm up I can shed layers and enjoy the day on the water.
February is a busy month for all of our local waterside spots to have a bite to eat or visit with friends over a beverage. I live in Cape Coral and we have several dining opportunities accessible by boat that offer entertainment in the evenings. In SW Cape we have Cape Harbor and Tarpon Point, who both have tropical spots for dining by the large tiki huts and both offer beautiful marina views! Just a few miles west is the fun and eclectic community of Matlacha on Pine Island. In Matlacha, we enjoy the fun atmosphere at Micelli’s, sitting out back listening to the music and watching the manatee’s go by at sunset! All of the establishments mentioned have extensive menu selections and family fun atmosphere.
As a reminder for our boating friends…be cautious of the many crab traps in the waterways, both inshore and offshore! It is open stone crab season (offshore) and there are hundreds of traps out in the water, with some that are barely visible at high tide. Generally speaking, ‘crabbers’ will set their traps in a line and spaced evenly apart. You may notice boats following the traps and weaving in and out…they are looking for ‘Tripletail’, which are also great eating and fun to angle! The Tripletail will lay suspended along the sorghum that collects on the ropes of the traps. They are very wise with good eyesight so when trying to catch these beauties you must stay back and throw past them with a small shrimp and bring it to them. Enjoy the fight and the feast!
If I can be of any help or assistance feel free to contact me via email at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com
or call my cellphone (727) 534-9071. I will enjoy sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm of the sport of fishing! Until next month, this is First Mate Vicki Fisher, reminding you to keep your lines tight!