[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he offshore anglers of February will find the Florida winter firmly in place and (finally) in full swing-after many weeks of a delay in the normal weather patterns typically encountered during the early months of this year`s winter. A more rhythmic arrival of offshore weather making events will be connected to the more predictable arrival of migratory fish like king and Spanish mackerel and sailfish, whose numbers have not quite achieved the usual winter standards prior to this month, as a result of the lack of cold front activity during December and the early days of January. As this winter weather pattern gets back on track during February, the quality of fishing and the ability to plan offshore trips based on more consistent weather forecasts, will improve this month.
Snapper fishing will continue to be on the top of the offshore strategy, decision list for bottom fishing meat hunters. The go to zone for most species of snapper will be between 50 to 80 feet of water. Also, as seas remain choppy but “fishable” out of the north and east, offshore anglers will angle towards reefs close to shore and slightly north of the St. Lucie Inlet. Martin County’s exceptional, offshore artificial reef program has set in place over 60 reef structures within 3 to 4 nautical miles, just east and north of our inlet. Old barges, concrete bridge spans, inlet dredging spoils, and pre-fabricated “reef makers” make up the majority of these artificial reef structures and have become home to a large, diversified body of fish, both resident and pelagic, especially snapper. Lane, mangrove, vermilion, yellowtail, cubera, and mutton snapper are regularly caught by local anglers around these structures. Lane snappers are probably the most abundant of all, and can be found in large numbers this month. Anchoring the boat, above and around these reefs, will enable anglers using all varieties of cut bait, on 30- to 50-pound tackle to enjoy snapper catching success. These reefs not only attract snapper and other species of bottom dwellers, but also a wide array of pelagic fish that are normally associated with the upper surface of the water column, like king mackerel, dolphin, bonito, sailfish, and cobia. These artificial reefs become attractive devices for all species of saltwater fish as they provide the foundation for the smallest organisms to adhere to and grow, thus setting the ecosystem in motion as smaller fish are attracted by the food and cover offered by these structures. In turn, bigger fish that prey on the smaller organisms, find their way to these reefs and as a result, begin to propel the food chain into action. These reefs are well documented and published GPS coordinates for them can be found by visiting martinreefs.com.
Like all offshore fishing months, February will continue the need for captains and crews to pay close attention to daily weather forecasts when planning the day’s offshore adventure. By closely monitoring wind velocity/direction and tide schedules at the inlet, anglers will be able to consistently make safe decisions, regarding the limitations of their boats and crews, that will ultimately lead to successful offshore fishing trips during the days of February.
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