February is like two months in one because, at the start of the month, you’re usually fishing deep water. Because it’s been cold in January and the water is still very cold, it takes a couple of weeks to warm up. But, as the month progresses, it tends to get warmer and we move into the shallows. And, it’s when our spring season starts.
The last two weeks of January and the first two weeks of February, we’re sheepshead fishing and the bite is usually very good. Snook fishing can be tricky in February, because you just don’t know if February is going to be a cold month or warm month. If it’s warm, the snook fishing will be very good like it was in 2019 but, if it’s cold, it will be much slower.
Back to sheepshead fishing, which has been outstanding. I like using a 1/8 to 1/4-ounce jig or a live bait on a J hook–such as a Gamakatsu #2 hook, #220409. When using just the J hook, I’ll use a small lead split shot and, depending upon how strong the current is, will determine how heavy a split shot I’ll use. My leader is usually 20 pounds but, sometimes I’ll step it down to 15 pounds. Sheepshead will be on deep rock piles, jetties, bridges and docks. Baits I like to use for sheepshead are live or fresh dead shrimp, fiddler crabs and sand fleas.
Now to talk about specks for a minute: If it’s cold again in February, I’ll definitely be speckled trout fishing. When I speck fish, I almost always use artificials. I will usually start out with a ZMan TroutTrick rigged on an 1/8 to 1/4-ounce jighead, depending upon how deep the water I’m fishing. I also have a 17MR MirrOlure tied on, or a Heddon Spook top-water.
Lastly, you don’t need to start out early in the morning in February to go fishing. I usually hit the water around 10am if it’s chilly out and 8am if it’s been a bit warmer. I like to let the water warm up a bit when fishing in February plus, I can have that second cup of coffee. Remember to watch the tides, as you must have moving water. If you don’t have good water flow, eat a sandwich until the tides starts moving and then go catch ’em up.
Capt. John Rivers operates Rivers to Bay Fishing Charters out of Tampa Bay and Tarpon Springs. With 18 years guiding experience and over 40 years of fishing knowledge, he can assure you a professional / fun fishing adventure. Single or multi boat trips available. www.tampabayinshoreguides.com
captjohnrivers@gmail.com
727-313-1781
