February Fishing Report 

The calendar year may have only just begun, but for anglers in Crystal River, the changing temperatures mean a whole new style of fishing is headed their way. With warmer water temperatures and a mild weather outlook, both anglers and fish species are showing up in the places we can count on them year after year. 

Inshore

Inshore fishing during February has been solid. With a few days early in the month giving us some rain and wind, thus far, the month has been nearly perfect for comfortable fishing. However, the fish (and our hands) have been getting a workout. 

Trout

Seatrout has been loving the warmer water temps. The increased water temperatures have both the trout and their forage moving onto the shallow flats. Casting popping corks & live shrimp over grassy bottom has been the choice option. Lures like a Mirrolure Lil Jon or 5.5” DOA jerk baits are your best bet for artificials. Look for them on the open flats now cruising in 2-3' of water.

Red Drum

Redfish are also beginning to push out from the backs of the creeks. During low tides, we have been able to look for them in the deeper pockets. Higher tides have found them on top of hard rocky bottom. 

Snook

Just like the redfish, snook are moving back into their holding patterns back onto the flats. While they have been catch and release only, the snook recreational season will open up for harvest on March 1st and ends on April 31st. This season's limits are one fish per angler with a slot size between 28 and 33 inches.

Toothy fish

With temps increasing, our inshore waters are beginning to see some of the best pound-for-pound fighters in Crystal River. Both Spanish mackerel & bluefish are in the area. While Spanish mackerel are considered better table fare, both fish tend to school and blitz with enough energy that they can be caught on anything from a Gotcha plug to a bare hook.

Offshore

Our focus offshore for February was on filling the cooler with our favorite rock pile fish. 

Sheepshead

The sheepshead has been holding in a little shallower water than expected at the moment. Many of the toothy convicts were caught in the shallower piles in 15 feet or less of water. This is unusual this late in the year, but we are happy to find them. There are even more sheephead in the deeper, cooler water where we target other species.

Mangrove Snapper 

Mangrove snapper fishing in 25-40' over rocky structure remains the solid option for our offshore adventures. Downsizing tackle has been beneficial for both mangroves and sheepshead. 12 to 15-pound fluorocarbon has been the ticket, allowing for plenty of sensitivity while still being robust enough for larger snappers when they get skittish. While every captain has their spots they like to fish, at the end of the day, driving around watching your bottom machine is the best thing you can do to catch these guys. Oftentimes, as it has been this month, they'll sit 20-40' off the structure, requiring anglers to make adjustments to depth to keep baits away from nontarget species.

Looking Ahead

With February nearing a close, we are going to keep the momentum for March. March is pretty well booked, but we're booking for April! With the spring weather changes and the sheer variety of fish species available, we plan to make the most out of April by focusing on the inshore species. If you are looking for Trout, Redfish, Snook, Spanish mackerel, or any of the other species you can find in Crystal River, give us a call. Let's put you on some fish and make this spring one to remember.

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