Boca Grande Fishing Charters February Forecast
Capt. Danny Latham
February 3, 2012
Boca Grande - Saltwater Fishing Report
Wow is it really February! The weather in Southwest Florida seems more like late March or April. I don't want to rub it in for you "snow birds" but the daytime temps have remained in the 70's and 80's and it looks like February is going to have more of the same. Boca Grande fishing charters have continued to produce some outstanding Redfish action and I'm starting to catch some really nice Snook. Punta Gorda fishing charters have been producing good numbers of fish as well. I have had multiple 50 plus fish days this January and I expect February to get even better, especially for Snook fishing.
I know I keep repeating myself but the 2012 Tarpon fishing season is only a few months away and for those of you who are looking to book a trip for the 2012 tarpon season I strongly urge that you start planning ASAP as my calendar is already close to half full. I don't want to sound like a broken record but I would hate to miss seeing some of my repeat clients this tarpon season.
Trout fishing has remained very good and getting a nice limit of trout has been pretty easy. I have been seeing a ton of big Trout on the flats and catching fish over 20 inches seems to be an everyday occurrence. With the bait starting to show up I expect to start catching a lot more really big Trout while Snook fishing. Last year we had some fish over 9lbs. From now thru April is hands down the best time to catch big trout here in Southwest Florida and I don't mean 20" fish I'm talking about 25"-30" fish that can weigh as much as 10lbs! Those are true "gators" and this is the time of year to catch them!
The Redfish fishing this February will be very good. I am still catching a ton of fish in the 3lb-5lb range but have been catching more and more fish over 27 inches and I am starting to see some really nice schools. Shrimp have continued to be the live bait of choice but with bait starting to show up on the flats and this warm weather trend Live sardines and pinfish will start getting good number of big fish, especially the schools. I have also been catching a lot fish on artificial. The Mirrolure "Provoker" rigged with a 4/0 Mustad Power Lock has been killing the reds and the trout on the higher tides.
A really nice surprise this year is the number of big Sheepshead on the flats. I have been catching between 5 and 15 fish a day while redfishing. They fight well and taste great so my clients have been really happy.
I am still catching a ton of Flounder this year as well. This has been one of the best years for Flounder in at least 4 years. I have been catching a lot of 1-3lb fish while fishing for reds and they are a wonderful fish to eat.
With the recent warm weather the Snook have started to move out on to the flats and they have had an appetite! I have had some 40 plus fish days and some of the fish have been well over 30 inches. The bait has started to show up and the Snook have been pretty excited to see it. For you night owls, the night time Snook fishing around the lighted docks in Punta Gorda, Ft. Myers beach, Little Gasparilla and Boca Grande may be your best bet for some August Snook action. Lures like Mirrolure 3" Soft Sardine and Mirrolure Mirrodine should both be good choices for catching spring time Snook. Please remember that Snook season will be catch and release only until at least September 2012.
The near shore fishing has slowed down a little. Gag Grouper went out of season on November 15th although you can still catch some nice Red Grouper and Mangrove Snapper. The last few fronts also moved most of the big kingfish and Spanish Mackerel South for the winter but they'll be back this spring.
Whether you want to catch the fish of a lifetime or just relax with friends, you can count on Reelfishing charters to put together the ultimate Southwest Florida experience! Capt. Danny is the guide that will bring everything together for a fun, exciting fishing charter that you'll remember.
Reelfishing is a Fort Myers fishing charter as well as a Boca Grande fishing guide service. We pick up at several locations around Southwest Florida including Burnt Store Marina, Pineland Marina, Placida and the Boca Grande guide docks. Other arrangements can be made if necessary. We try to make fishing with Reelfishing charters as easy as possible.
Catch Fish, No Excuses!
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