The toughest month to fish is underway, but conditions are definitely improving. Despite recent bouts of heavy rain, Santa Rosa Sound is exceptionally clear, albeit still on the cool side with water temperatures in the mid-50s. Quality redfish and nice trout are holding in the shallows, especially on darker bottom where the more heat is absorbed from the sun. The fish are wary, but there are plenty of opportunities to explore and present jerk baits and flies. Because of the cooler temps, remember to slow down the presentations. Smaller lures are better, not only for the profiles but also the noise factor.
Sheepshead continue to provide good sport around structure throughout the bay systems. Bridge pilings and channel fenders will hold the convict fish. Barnacles, mussels, fiddler crabs and live shrimp are the top offerings, in order. Sheepshead are very adept at stealing baits with subtle bites, so anticipation is key to solid hook-ups.
The striped and hybrid bass action remains strong in the Blackwater. Cold temperatures and high pressure seem to turn these fish on. Nighttime fishing around lights and docks are producing the most fish.
With the lull before the spring season, now is the perfect time to get ready. Inspect tackle and service as needed. Check rod guides for cracks or corrosion. Cork rod handles can be cleaned to like-new condition using a Scotchbrite pad and some dishwashing liquid. Re-spool new line on reels if needed or at least peel off several yards and start fresh. Check roller bearings and lube sparingly with a couple drops of machine oil.
Go through the tackle boxes, too. Inspect for corrosion and replace hooks or sharpen as needed. Replace split rings and discard old, cloudy soft plastics. Organizing boxes into different fisheries (inshore, fly, spoons, etc.) will make it easier to rig when the spring bite does turn on.
Now is also the perfect time to service the boat, outboard and trailer. If you don’t do the work yourself, this is the slowest time of the year for service facilities so get in the que quickly. Change out the engine oil, lower unit oil and all filters on the outboard. A magic marker notation on oil filters will serve as a reminder. Charge batteries if they aren’t on trickle charge and inspect hoses, clamps and bilge pumps. Spray electrical panels with a corrosion inhibitor like Boeshield T-9 or Corrosion X. Squirt some dielectric grease into the trolling motor plug, too.
Don’t forget about the trailer. Check the tire inflation/treads and look for dry rot, sidewall cracks, etc., including the spare. Check the winch and tie down straps. Plug in the lights and check for proper operation. Shoot some grease into the hubs or take this time to repack so you’ll be ready to roll.
As a reminder, spotted seatrout/specks are closed in the Florida Panhandle for the month of February to protect stocks when they are concentrated due to colder temperatures. Catch and release is still allowed.
Copyright 2024, Capt. Dave Lear
All rights reserved.