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Coastal Angler February Fishing Report

By January 30, 2014March 2nd, 2018Fishing Reports

As predicted, the New Year brought in a more consistent winter weather pattern. Although, when I made that prediction, I believe I said something to the effect that we would see a series of four or five cool days followed by the same amount of warmer days. I must admit that I was a little off, as Mother Nature seems to have made the decision to inundate us with back-to-back fronts whilst giving us little to no relief in between.

Even though I find it difficult to appreciate the colder conditions that have been brought in by winds from the north, (especially on those early morning charters!) I have to admit that it is welcome to a certain degree, in that it has finally brought us more predictable winter fishing patterns. It is these patterns that will set the stage for some pretty easy days of fishing for species such as Sheepshead, Trout and Pompano…. if you know where to look.

You will find, throughout the month of February, that the fishing can and will be more consistent if you hang along deeper pockets and channels, especially in those places where there is a definitive edge along a shoal or shallow flat, as evidenced on a recent charter…

As it is, with most of my trips, my clients wanted to get into the backcountry to fish for Reds and Snook. So on this particular day, we did just that. We spent about 2 hours fishing the black-water and dark bottomed areas of the backcountry. Areas that prior to this day, had been holding large amounts of small Snook along with some sizable Redfish. Unfortunately this happened to be one of those days when all, but a few small Snook, decided to bug out.  So I proposed a new game plan… target some Pompano. Fortunately, all were agreeable and we were off!

We headed back towards civilization to a little spot (that will remain unmentioned) which contains all of the conditions one would look for when fishing for Pomps… a nice transition, clear water and moderate current.

With trolling motor down, I drifted the boat along the channel edge ever so slowly, so we could fish the drop thoroughly, searching with every cast until we found the sweet spot… Then it was on!

Now I know what you’re thinking. He’s gon’na tell us about one of the most epic days of Pompano fishing. Well… no. Although we did catch a decent amount of Pomps, what really made the day special was that we were sitting on a spot that was holding not only a small school of Pompano but a larger school of Bluefish ranging between 2 to 4 pounds. This made for some exciting, hard pulling, drag screaming,  action packed fishing. More importantly, it brought to life the sullen faces that haunt every good guide when the fishing is slow.

We spent the rest of the afternoon on that spot, catching one fish after another. Laughing, backslapping and high fives were being passed around liberally, as if we had just won the lotto.

Geoff Crouse

Capt. Geoff is a full-time fishing guide in Naples, FL and specializes in light tackle and fly fishing adventures.