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
