SWFL Fishing Forecast for February, 2018

I’m glad that I can finally write about some good fishing. Over the past few weeks we have had some crappy situations going on in the harbor. Some of them I can say with a smile, was good ol’ Mother nature. In the last month we have had some cold weather. It was getting close to the point I thought we where going to have some issues with snook. I’m happy to report I have not seen any fatalities with these recent cold snaps. So, lets get back to the good fishing shall we. These last few cold snaps have really given the harbor a cleansing. These low tides have washed away all the poor quality of water that was hanging around. Over the past week I have experienced some of the best sea trout fishing on the north end of the harbor in a while. We have been able to have half days with over 100 hundred fish to the boat. Yes folks, I said that correctly over 100 fish caught. I’m not saying by no means we’re catching monsters, but we are getting our share of good fish. One of the biggest factors that has been helping keep the bite going? Well it has been the water temp. On these post cold frontal days when the water has cooled below 62 degrees, I have been focusing on deep water. In true Florida fashion after a few days of cool weather we have some warm days. During these warmer days the sun warms the flats up to over 65 degrees and the fish move back to the flats. It hasn’t been easy keeping track of fish moving from shallow to deep, but paying attention to the water temps make it a lot easier.

When picking the best bait, I would also look at the temp of the water. Winter months is by far my favorite time to get out the artificial. The biggest reason fish migrate to deeper water is to find warmer water. So it only makes sense that when mother nature sends us some cold weather, and the fish move deep to slow down. So on those type of days I prefer shrimp on a jig head. I’ll slow way down and fish closer to the bottom. Luckily for us those days are few and far between. As the water warms back up, fish begin to migrate back on the flats in search of food. Soft plastics work great at locating feeding fish. Some of my favorites are paddle tails. These types of baits allow you to cover a lot of water quickly. When you locate fishing using this technique you can catch a lot of fish very quickly. Water color plays a big role in what I chose. This time of year, we normally have clean water. So I focus on lighter coolers, like pearl and chartreuse. If we have some winds and rain or a over cast day, I’ll throw a darker cooler. Just remember one thing, slow down. The biggest mistake people make with artificial lures is working them to fast. However you like to fish, get out enjoy some of the great fishing Charlotte Harbor has to offer.

If you would like to experience some Charlotte Harbor’s finest fishing send me an email or give me a call all of our charters are private and customized to fit you and your parties needs. You can also follow me on twitter for fishing updates Twitter @ backbayxtremes.

Captain Dave Stephens * (941) 916-5769 * Back Bay Xtremes * PO Box 510746, Punta Gorda FL 33951

Flats Fishing Charters for Charlotte Harbour, Punta Gorda, Florida