Days spent on the water this time of year can be brutal with the very cold temperatures we are experiencing, but Redfish are still willing to eat! We have had some really good days and good numbers of Reds on bait live shrimp and artificial. With that said, the bite has been a little slow when the winds pick up. Most of the redfish we caught on live shrimp were slot reds (14-23 inches), catching from 10-20. The artificial has been the go to bait and produced some really nice Redfish ranging from 9-13 lbs. that were sight fished.
In February, we are into our winter weather patterns and these cold water temperatures can range from 41-52 degrees. I like to fish when these fronts pass through because sometimes when the rain has stopped, the front stalls, and fishing can be very good. Conditions usually range 45-58 degrees (air temp), overcast with a little fog, and high humidity. The winds are much lighter when this occurs and you may be surprised how well these Redfish will eat! Also, don’t forget to check out the first quarter moon when the tides are low in the a.m. The fish we have caught are not as lethargic as you would think.
When sight fishing, it is important to use a good pair of polarized sunglasses. I prefer the Costa 580 lens in copper. I think you will be surprised how well you can see the redfish in the shallow water. From my experience, this makes you a better angler when you can see fish and be able to catch them. A lot of times, redfish are just laid up sunning, warming themselves, relaxing, and eating….enjoying life. The water is pretty clear this time of year which also makes it easier to locate fish seeing mud’s and head wakes. When sight fishing this month, you will need to be extra quiet while on the hunt for redfish. Sometimes redfish can be very spooky with such good water clarity. It is also a very good time for fly rod opportunities this month and seeing the fish before you cast can be very rewarding.
Captain Griffin Wood
Tight Lines…
Captain Griffin Wood
Light Tackle/ Fly Fishing
912-269-7337
