The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is offering a free hunter safety Internet-completion course in Martin County. The course will be held at the Stuart Shooting Center, 3091 SE Jay St., Stuart, on Feb. 18-19, from 5:30 – 8 p.m.Treasure CoastFeb 4th, 2015
Though a strong breeze prevailed come tournament morning, the skies cleared and the tournament went on as planned. In fact, within five minutes of lines in the water, three fish were brought to the table. By the end of the day, 29 fish were caught and released.Editorial StaffFeb 3rd, 2015
The latest fishing reports and forecasts for February from our Bahamas' fishing forecasters. EXUMA: Capt. Doug Rowe from Fish Rowe Charters in George Town, Great Exuma, forecasts the big boys and all the crew will start showing up in February. Marlin are already showing---a 400 pounder caught in mid-January, and yellowfin tuna will soon arrive. Decent mahi, some impressive in size, will also begin to show. Capt. Rowe said to run everything you’ve got, “One deep, couple long, one big bait in the back long, a big one close and some small close. This will cover everything! Color won't matter, just mix it up and see what gets busted up!”Treasure CoastFeb 3rd, 2015
Divers on the Treasure Coast may notice the return of cobia in large numbers to area waters in February as Valentine’s Day marks the unofficial start of the yearly migration. Many spearfishermen target the prized species but care should be taken when hunting these big game fish since they usually provide escort for much larger animals.Steve WoodFeb 3rd, 2015
Those anglers using wild shiners are catching big numbers of bass, as are some of the more proficient artificial bait anglers. The number of trophy sized fish in the 7 to 10 pound range being caught is much higher for live bait anglers using wild shiners and is on par with the last 4 to 5 years. Warm stable weather has allowed the water temperatures to stay in the 60s to low 70s, which has kept the fish feeding daily. There have been a few days when the bite has been slower but overall it has been a very productive winter up to this date.Capt. Mike ShellenFeb 3rd, 2015
Snook season on the east coast is open and this is a great time to target these fish. Winter time the snook are around the bridges, flats, inlets, and docks. Docks with lights is a great place to target these fish, which will sometimes stack up 20 deep to pick off baits that travel by. They will be hanging just where the shadow line is. You want to be quiet when you approach, cast as close as you can to the structure bringing it slow back into the shadow line. Fish the bridges the same way. Look for lights and fish the shadow line. Capt. Chris SharpFeb 3rd, 2015
The more traditional method of spotting rays, working their way down the coast, will probably be the most effective way to put your limit of cobia in the boat. Chartreuse jigs with rubber tails are a mainstay and I like to have a few rods rigged with just a hook, ready to cast a live bait in front of a stubborn fish. In search for a challenging bottom fish, other than grouper, I've been targeting big tile fish.Capt. Bill StewartFeb 3rd, 2015
February has become my best inshore month for sea trout and redfish since the grass beds of the central Indian River Lagoon have diminished in recent years. Both trout and reds make their way into the shallow backwater bays in search of warmth and food in the latter part of the winter and early spring. Sight-fishing can be excellent in these areas where winds are blocked and waters stay clean. Pompano, bluefish, ladyfish and jacks are also targets for inshore anglers in February.Capt. Gus BruggerJan 28th, 2015
The recreational harvest season for snook reopens on Feb. 1 in Florida’s Atlantic coastal and inland waters (from the Miami-Dade/Monroe … Editorial StaffJan 28th, 2015
On the Treasure Coast there are a variety of snapper that are legal to keep and all great to eat. Among these are lane, mangrove, mutton and sometimes even yellowtail snappers. The lane and mangrove snapper will be holding close to the edge of structure. You can hook them up on a smaller live sardine or dead baits such as a sardine plug, squid or a chunk of ballyhoo. Even a nice hand-picked shrimp will be appetizing to these fish. Capt. Danny MarkowskiJan 28th, 2015
