Naples Fishing Report: What’s Biting in February?

January’s wrapping up, and February’s about to kick off some of the best fishing Naples has to offer. The cooler weather? Perfect. The fish? Moving and hungry. If you’ve got the itch to get out there, now’s the time. Doesn’t matter if you’ve been fishing these waters for years or it’s your first trip—there’s something biting, and it’s calling your name.

Fishing Naples in February

Fishing in Naples in February is like stumbling onto a local secret you’re glad you didn’t miss. Sure, the tourists might be busy downtown or soaking up the sun on the beaches, but the real excitement is out on the water.

February’s cooler weather brings a refreshing change—not too cold to keep you indoors, but just cool enough to mix things up for the fish. Those subtle drops in water temperature get the fish moving, and when you’re out there with the right know-how and a good game plan, it’s some of the best fishing in Florida in February, hands-down.

The variety of species you can target this time of year is impressive, but knowing where to go and what to expect can make all the difference. Let’s get started with February’s inshore fishing scene.

Inshore Fish to Target

Inshore fishing in Naples in February is incredible for those looking to hook into some iconic Florida species like sheepshead. Redfish and sea trout are also active, thanks to the cooler but manageable water temperatures. (For tarpon fishing in Naples, you’ll want to wait until spring.) Now snook tend to gravitate toward deeper creeks and canals where the water stays consistently warmer, so focusing your efforts there if you’re looking to catch snook in Naples in February can pay off.

Tip: Look for reds cruising the mangroves or shallow flats, especially during the mid-morning or early afternoon when the sun has warmed the water just a bit.

Sheepshead

If you’re looking for dependable action, February is sheepshead season. These little striped bandits are everywhere, hanging out near docks, pilings, and reefs. They’ve got a knack for nibbling your bait clean, so you’ll need to bring your patience (and plenty of shrimp or fiddler crabs). They’re worth it, though. They put up a nice fight for their size, and catching one feels like winning a little tug-of-war.

Spotted Seatrout

Spotted seatrout is another solid bet this time of year. They’re hanging out in the grass flats, just waiting to pounce on a shrimp or soft plastic lure. Early mornings or late afternoons are prime times to find them. They’re not the flashiest fish out there, but they’re reliable, and who doesn’t love that?

Redfish (Red Drum)

Now, if you’re after something with a little more fire in its belly, redfish are still out and about in February. Cooler temps might slow some species down, but not these guys. Look around the mangroves or oyster bars—anywhere that feels like “redfish territory.” They’re smart, so you’ll have to play your cards right, but once you hook one, it’s game on.

Jack Crevalle

Speaking of fighters, don’t sleep on jack crevalle. They’re not exactly what you’d call picky eaters, so if you see a school cruising by, toss something shiny at them, and hold on tight. They’re the kind of fish that remind you why you started fishing in the first place—pure chaos and fun.

Mangrove Snapper

For those who prefer a little structure fishing, mangrove snapper are hanging around too. You’ll find them near rocky spots, mangroves, or docks, and they’re not shy about hitting your bait. They’re one of those species that just quietly get the job done. No fuss, no drama, just a good, steady bite.

Nearshore & Offshore Species in Naples in February

Just a little farther out, nearshore reefs and wrecks are packed with activity in the beginning of the year. These reefs are also home to tripletail, often spotted around floating debris or channel markers. Of course… for those willing to venture a little further into the Gulf, February’s offshore fishing adventures in Naples are great as well.

Tip: Feb marks the start of the cobia migration, so keep your eyes peeled for them cruising near the surface or following rays around wrecks.

With so many species in play, all you need is the right setup and a bit of local knowledge.

Grouper & Snapper

Now, if you’re the type who’s willing to head further out, February has plenty to offer out there too. Grouper—both gag and red—are waiting for you around the reefs and wrecks. They like hanging out in the deeper spots, so bring your heavier gear. Snapper (lane, vermilion, and yellowtail) are also hanging out on those same reefs, so you’ve got options.

Pro Tip: Grouper season in Naples can be productive in February, but it depends on the specific species and regulations:

1. Gag Grouper:
   February is outside of the open season for gag grouper in Florida’s Gulf waters. The harvest season usually runs from June 1 to December 31. While they may still be caught and released, make sure you’re familiar with the rules if you’re targeting them.
2. Red Grouper:
   February is part of the open season for red grouper in the Gulf. They’re a popular offshore target and can be found on reefs and wrecks. These fish are active in deeper waters during the cooler months, making February a good time to target them.
3. Other Grouper Species:
   • Black Grouper: Similar to gag grouper, black grouper’s harvest is typically restricted outside the general season (June–December).
   • Scamp Grouper and Lesser-Known Species: These can be caught year-round in federal waters, but always check local regulations for bag limits and size restrictions.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish mackerel? Oh yeah, they’re still in the mix too, ready to give you a run for your money. You’ll find them offshore and even nearshore on the calmer days.

And if you’re lucky, you might come across a cobia cruising the same spots. They’re the kind of fish that’ll make you forget about everything else while you’re chasing them.

Pompano

Closer to shore, pompano are another good one to look out for. They’re near sandy beaches and passes, darting around like little silver bullets. And if you’ve got a good eye, you might spot a tripletail lounging near a crab trap buoy. They’re funny fish, almost lazy-looking, but don’t let that fool you—they’re plenty strong when hooked.

Pro Tip: Pompano are generally considered nearshore fish, but they often venture into inshore waters as well. Here’s the distinction:

• Nearshore: Pompano are commonly found along sandy beaches, near passes, and around sandbars, areas that are still relatively close to shore but not technically within inshore waters like back bays or mangroves. This is where many anglers target them, particularly in February.
• Inshore: While pompano are primarily nearshore, they can occasionally be found in inshore areas such as tidal flats and deeper channels, especially if these areas are connected to passes or the open Gulf.

So, while pompano can be targeted on nearshore fishing charters, they can straddle the line and occasionally show up in inshore environments as well. (As far as Naples fishing charters are concerned, they typically fall into the “nearshore” category.)

Quick Reference: Some of the Top Species to Target this Month

Here is a quick reference guide to some—but not all—of the species you can catch in Naples during February, categorized by their typical habitats, along with some helpful info for anyone considering getting out on the water this month.

Fish Species	Location	Preferred Habitat	Effective Baits/Lures	Fighting Ability	Optimal Fishing Times
Sheepshead	Inshore, Nearshore	Docks, pilings, reefs	Live shrimp, fiddler crabs	Moderate	High tide
Spotted Seatrout	Inshore	Grass flats, oyster beds	Soft plastics, live shrimp	Light to moderate	Early morning, dusk
Redfish	Inshore	Mangroves, oyster bars, flats	Cut bait, gold spoons, live shrimp	Moderate	Morning, afternoon
Snook*	Inshore	Backwaters, residential canals	Live pilchards, pinfish, topwater lures	Strong	Afternoon (warmer temps)
Jack Crevalle	Inshore, Nearshore	Back bays, passes, nearshore waters	Poppers, spoons, live bait	Very strong	Anytime (schooling fish)
Mangrove Snapper	Inshore, Nearshore	Docks, rocky areas, mangroves	Live shrimp, small baitfish	Moderate	Midday
Pompano	Nearshore	Sandy beaches, passes, sandbars	Sand fleas, shrimp, jigs	Light to moderate	Mid-morning
Tripletail**	Nearshore	Floating debris, crab trap buoys	Live shrimp, small baitfish	Moderate	Midday
Spanish Mackerel	Nearshore, Offshore	Reefs, passes, open Gulf waters	Shiny spoons, flashy lures, live bait	Strong and fast	Morning, early afternoon
Cobia	Nearshore, Offshore	Wrecks, reefs, cruising nearshore waters	Live pinfish, crabs, jigs	Strong and steady	Midday
Red Grouper	Offshore	Reefs, wrecks (moderate depths)	Squid, cut bait, live bait	Strong	Morning
Lane Snapper	Offshore	Reefs, wrecks	Cut squid, small live bait	Light to moderate	Morning, afternoon
King Mackerel	Offshore	Reefs, wrecks, open waters	Trolled plugs, live baitfish	Very strong and fast	Early morning
Black Drum	Inshore	Bridges, deeper channels, near pilings	Shrimp, crab, cut bait	Moderate	Morning
Sharks (Various)	Nearshore, Offshore	Nearshore waters, wrecks, reefs	Cut bait, chunks of fish	Extremely strong	Night (nearshore), daytime (offshore)

*Snook are less active in February because of cooler water temperatures. They retreat to deeper, warmer areas like backwaters, canals, and creeks, making them trickier to locate and catch compared to warmer months. They can still be caught, though!

**Although they can be caught near crab trap buoys and floating debris, Tripletail are less abundant and more sporadic in winter months. They tend to be harder to locate in February compared to spring or summer, so you’ll probably want to set your sights on all the fish species that are around in greater numbers.

Sure, a couple of species might be a little trickier to catch this time of year, but let me tell you—February still has plenty to get excited about. Redfish, trout, and sheepshead are as reliable as ever, and they’ll keep you busy in all the best ways. And who knows? There’s always that chance you’ll hook into something unexpected, because fishing adventures in Naples are full of surprises.

Cooler air, calmer waters, and enough fish out there to keep things interesting—it’s hard to beat a day like that. So hop on the boat, grab a rod, and let’s see what’s biting!

The Bottom Line

To reiterate, fishing Naples in February might not get as much attention as the spring or summer months, but trust us—it’s one of the best-kept secrets in Southwest Floorida. The cooler weather makes for a comfortable day on the water, the fish are active and biting, and you won’t have to battle the usual crowds. It’s the perfect time of year to hop on a charter, let us take you to the hotspots, and enjoy a day of fishing that you won’t soon forget.

The fish are out there—let’s go catch them together! Click here to book your charter.