ANYONE SEEN OLD MAN WINTER?

As I sit here writing this, we have had 11 consecutive days of over 80 degrees, and aside from another blip of a "front" moving through this week, it seems like we will continue with a warm, record breaking February. With the water temperature hovering in the low to mid 70s, the fishing has been spectacular, particularly for the snook who I'm sure don't know if it's late fall or early spring. All they know is bait is still plentiful in the bay and they are eating to their hearts content.

Although they did just announce an extension of "catch and release only" for snook, redfish and trout, we have been catching some very nice spotted seatrout over the deeper grass along with some over slot (28") redfish that are roaming around. We've been doing well with soft plastics from DOA or Zmann for these guys. The snook, meanwhile, have mostly come on sardines or swimbaits from Mirrolure with my favorite being the Mirrodine. In a normal winter pattern, our water temp would be near 60 which would mean much slower presentations and using shrimp with sheepshead and drum as our main targets.

This year we are actually catching species such as spanish mackerel and other pelagics that usually show up in the Spring?!  I don't know what's gonna happen in the coming months, but the fishing, just like the water right now... is HOT!!! Beautiful days to be on the boat with dolphins, manatees and the usual feathered friends always hanging out. Check my Instagram @captainchriscamps to meet Harold the Heron. Give me a call to book an adventure you won't soon forget!

Tight Lines, 

Capt. Chris

Redfish