It’s a good thing February is the shortest month on the calendar. Because it’s also the toughest month to fish inshore in northern Florida waters. Yes, there are fish to be found. But feeding windows are very short and the fish are often more focused on staying comfortable than finding the next meal. If you like a challenge, though, February fits the bill.
A trip to Santa Rosa Sound late last week featured bluebird skies, light winds and Bahamas-like water—in clarity only. Water temperatures were a chilly 52 degrees to start the morning and only warmed to a tad over 54 by mid-afternoon. The prospects for improvement don’t look favorable with the overnight lows back around freezing or slightly above this week.
Unlike previous trips, there was little sign of life on the flats. Only a few stingrays shuffled along the bottom. Baitfish, including mullet, were non-existent. The larger schools of reds that were around previously had obviously gone elsewhere. I only saw 18 reds over 5 hours, but all were trophies, exceeding 30 inches. Most were singles, with a few small groups cruising the sand.
Unfortunately, none would commit to a strike. A couple raced to the lure (DOA near clear shrimp) only to turn away at the last second. An Aqua Dream 1/4-ounce weedless gold spoon was Kryptonite, apparently, for the fish scattered when it landed. I readied a DOA paddletail swim bait, but didn’t really get it in front of the last few fish spotted. Still it was fun sight-casting to overslot fish and the weather was gorgeous, so no real complaints.
The colder-than-usual Panhandle winter has pushed the trout and black drum into the upper bays and coastal tributaries. Sheepshead are around as well. Try DOA shrimp, jigs and suspending plugs for trout in the deeper holes and ambush spots, like feeder creeks emptying in the main channel. Work lures slowly to match the metabolism. Fiddler crabs and small shrimp will fool the convict fish if they are suspended around bridge pilings, docks and seawalls. Go as light as possible with hooks and leader for these wary targets. For an added edge, take along a spade and use it to scrape barnacles off the pilings beforehand. The drifting shell will act as chum to attract sheepies.
In theory, conditions should improve this week with Wednesday’s full moon generating a lot of water movement and excellent solunar feeding windows. Mother Nature may have other ideas, however. Winds are expected to be elevated and Thursday is forecast for thunderstorms.
If you can’t get out to actually fish, now is the perfect opportunity to get ready for when things do really turn on. Shops are somewhat slow right now, so make an appointment if the boat or trailer needs servicing. It’s also the ideal time to have reels tuned up, check rods and organize tackle. The Panhandle winter will be over soon with better fishing days ahead.
Copyright 2022, Capt. Dave Lear
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