Pensacola Inshore Fishing Report - Light Tackel Fishing
Capt. John Rivers
February 10, 2012
Pensacola - Saltwater Fishing Report
January has come and gone and that just means it is one month closer to spring. I'm starting to feel Spring Fever and I guess it's because we've had a very mild winter and the trees are already starting to bud. I think it's going to be an early spring and that the ground hog won't see his shadow; hopefully I'm not jinxing myself. During February I'm usually fishing in the upper bay areas for specks, reds, and this year I'll go after some stripers. I've been up in the river a few times wetting a line for all three species and I had some pretty good luck a majority of the time.
During the winter months, the fish stage up in very deep holes in the upper rivers; you will still find them on the flats, but later in the day when they are sunning themselves to get warm. Fishing in the upper rivers can be very difficult if you're not familiar with the patterns of winter fishing. The first thing you need for success is very good water movement. Next, it helps to learn when the fish move up on the flats and when they are in the deep holes.
During the winter months, it helps to position your boat up near the "wind blown" banks, because you are closer to where the bait is pushed into the bank. Bigger fish will hug the bank feeding on the bait that is pushed in by the wind and the tide. One of the most important keys to a successful winter fishing trip is slowing down your presentation. Typically, fish are a bit more sluggish in the cooler months, so slowing your bait presentation will pay off for you big time. I forgot to mention that I'm using artificials only in these areas, but of course you can use live bait, but I really like using artificials when fishing the upper bay areas in the winter.
As you can tell, I really like winter fishing in the upper bay areas, because it brings me back to my roots when I was a young bass fisherman.
In a few more weeks, I'll be heading to the pass going after some funky bucked-tooth critters with jailhouse stripes. I may love winter fishing, but I'm always ready for the next adventure.
Tight Lines.
Capt. John
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