Redfish and seatrout activity has been great throughout the Mosquito Lagoon in February and I fully expect it to continue through March.
Finding sheltered areas will be necessary when the wind is up and it certainly has been windy. Often, the wind only enhances the bite for those willing to or able to keep their boat within casting distance of marauding schools of redfish. Some days I simply cannot pole fast enough to keep abreast of the schooling fish as they travel INTO the wind… always into the wind!
Being patient on these days will often result in your recently found school of redfish returning to where you initially spooked them. Usually they were laying in a slightly deeper depression than the surrounding bottom, a “pot hole” if you prefer. I like to power-pole down in position to cast into this spot when the fish return. Of course if I spot the school moving into another pot hole I will move to them. Knowing precisely where they are enables us to strategically position the boat, allowing for a long cast with the wind at our back.
Exude RT Slugs and Exude Darts have been doing a fine job on the days when the fish are hungry. Cajun Crabs and Exude shrimp get the nod if the aforementioned lures are ignored. Experimenting with color is always a good idea and lately muted natural colors have been the best for us.
Gator trout are still abundant in the shallows, but as is often the case they are usually spooky. I cannot stress enough the importance of long casts if a gator trout is your target. I also find a bigger soft plastic lures in the five to seven inch range gets their attention when smaller lures are ignored!