Everglades City and Chokoloskee in February

Capt. Brandon Acosta
February 5, 2012
Everglades City - Saltwater Fishing Report

February is here and it is typically a month where we normally will see some slight changes from January's cold fronts and wind. Some of the cold fronts will still hit us, but are usually not quite as powerful. Water temperatures are higher than normal and will most likely continue to hover in the high 60's.
Keep a watchful eye on the tide chart because we have some very low tides predicted around both the new full and new moons. The lowest tides are predicted the mornings of the 5th – 9th, and the 17th – 22nd. Wind direction can have a dramatic effect on the tides. A North or East wind will make the tides much lower and longer than predicted as they blow the water out and slow down its return.
On calm days, I prefer to hit the outside flats on the incoming tide. It is typically most productive to drift areas that are three to five feet deep and vary from grass to sand. This way we can fish for a combination of both Spotted Trout on the grass, and Pompano on the sand. Try using a 3/8 oz bucktail jig that has a good amount of glitter in it. A nice example of a glitter tail jig that will catch both Spotted Trout and Pompano is a Don's Potbelly Jig. It is best to use your light casting gear with 10-12 lb test line and 2-3' of 20lb clear fluorocarbon leader. You can expect to pick up, Jacks, Spanish Mackerel, and Ladyfish too.
The backwater bays and rivers hold Sheepshead, Trout, Redfish, Snook, Snapper, Ladyfish, and Jacks. We have had pretty good results using popping corks with Gulp Alive Shrimp on a 1/8oz jig head under the cork. Snapper and Sheepshead will gladly accept small pieces of shrimp, and the Ladyfish love bucktail jigs. Snook can be caught on live baits such as Thread Herring or Pilchards, or a variety of artificial baits such as a DOA Terror Eyz.
When the tide is headed out, I like to head into the backcountry and river mouths and fish for Sheepshead and Snapper. I use pieces of shrimp on a small circle hook. The reason why I like shrimp pieces in the winter is twofold. Our winter shrimp are typically quite large. By cutting them in half your supply to last a lot longer and the Sheepshead and Snapper have small mouths and will typically steal a whole shrimp.
Check out the Species Availability Chart I have made that identifies the type of fish we target at different times in the Everglades National Park. You can see it at http://www.CaptainRapps.com
Capt Pete Rapps
239-571-1756
[email protected]
Hailing out of Chokoloskee Island Park Marina, Chokoloskee, FL
Capt Rapps has been fishing the Chokoloskee area for just over 20 years. He offers expert guided, light tackle, near shore, and backwater fishing trips in the Everglades National Park. If you are looking for a fun, easy going, and enjoyable day fishing and exploring in the Everglades National Park, look no further. Capt Rapps and his knowledgeable guides accommodate all men, women, & children of all ages, experienced or not, and those with special needs. Between their vast knowledge & experience of the area, and easy going demeanors, you are guaranteed to have a great day. Book your charter 24/7 with his online booking calendar, and see his first class web site for Booking info, Videos, Recipes, Seasonings, and more at www.CaptainRapps.com

Target Species:

redfish, spotted trout, snook, snapper, sheepshead

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