SOUTH TAMPA BAY / SARASOTA BAY
The fishing in Southern Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay has been fair to good depending on the time of the month you were fishing in January. Some severe cold fronts dropped water and ait temperatures drastically throughout the month sending the fish scattering for refuge in warmer pockets, deeper waters, or back country areas. Snook became hard to find even in some of the best winter fishing areas because of the sudden drop in temperatures. Redfish and Sea Trout though did save the day many times this month in deeper holes and along the edges of channels, especially those with docks and structure. In Sarasota Bay the big ticket has been an amazing influx of Pompano along the flats and deeper sand holes. Small bucktail jigs and shrimp have been the best bets for constant action. Small Tarpon are still in area rivers and are still biting well in most areas. This past month we didn't target them as much because of the weather so on the days we were able to get out they were eager to take most small baits.
February is looking good weather wise. If the warming trend continues and the winds stay low it is going to translate into some really great fishing. The first full moon of February usually ushers in the spring Cobia run along area beaches. This is a fun and exciting sight fishing experience. Large schools of Cobia from 10# up to 50# or more, cruise area beaches as they move up the coast. Because of their close proximity to the beaches and their rediness to eat they make an amazing opportunity for kayak anglers. The weather has to be good though because cloudy and windy conditions can make the sight fishing near impossible. The Pompano should be a mainstay in Sarasota Bay for the whole month as should the Redfish and Sea Trout from Bishop Harbor in Tampa Bay down through Sarasota.
MIAMI AREA PEACOCK BASS
The Peacock fishing was influenced heavily in January by the severe cold conditions. There was even talk of a possible partial fish kill in the far northern canals of Broward County. We concentrated mostly on the southernmost canal systems south of Miami and saw good action most days but far less fish than in recent months. The average fish was less than 2.5# but some bigger Peacocks to 5# were managed. The key to success was trolling fast moving minnow plugs through the canals to pick up schooling fish in open water. As the days warmed we would then keep a rod at the ready to target schooling fish blasting bait on the surface.
February is the start of the spawning cycle for Peacock Bass in some of the more southern areas and the possibility of bigger fish increases from here until May. The big Peacocks up to 9# or more will begin to move into the spawning cycle as the water warms to favorable conditions. Sight Fishing will become a very viable option, especially for anglers using fly rods. If you are looking to land a big Peacock then now through April will be some of the best times to go.
THE EVERGLADES CANAL SYSTEM
January saw some of the most awesome fishing I have seen in some time down in the Florida Everglades Canal System. Anglers were averaging over 100 fish per day per person. The stars of the show were by far the Oscars. Illegally introduced in the 1950's the Oscar is now a favorite target of many south Florida anglers. They have a spunky tenacity and strong shoulders that will test any anglers skill. Pound for pound they are probably the toughest fighters in south Florida freshwater, topped only by the Peacock Bass. Largemouth Bass were also numerous with catches of 30 or more a day very common. Though the size was small, roughly 2# on average, they were readily taking baits with ease. The bigger bass are still out amongst the sawgrass marshes because of high water levels but the fishing for Lunkers will pick up in coming months as water levels drop. Other catches included Mayan Cichlid and scattered Peacock Bass. This is great fishing for fly anglers as well as light tackle spin gear.
February should be much of the same. This is prime time to get in on some of the most consistant freshwater fishing found anywhere. As the water levels continue to drop the fish will be more concentrated in deeper canals and holes increasing the already phenominal numbers. Big Largemouth will be amonst the catches until around April when they will break up with the spring and summer rains.
SARASOTA FRESHWATER
If you want big Bass then Sarasota is the place to be right now. The cold fronts of earlier in the month have give way and the fishing for Lunkers is on fire. Over the past two weeks alone we have seen five 10# bass and countless others in the 5# to 8# range. The key has been to start later in the morning and target out of the way waters that offer deeper holes and shallow flats that warm quickly. The best baits have been large worms Texas Rigged for heavy cover and Carolina Rigged for weedy areas. Worms of 8 to 10" are producing the best. Slow cranking a jointed Crankbait along weedlines and drop offs is also very productive. The Crappie fishing is getting into high gear in a number of area impoudments and catches of over 50 a day have been fairly common.
February ushers in the begining of the spawning cycle for Bass and Crappie alike in south Florida. Fish in many waters will begin to bed if the weather remains in a warming trend and the water temps stabilize or begin to climb once again. This is prime time for Crappie and the full moon in February should kick off the spawning cycle for these tasty panfish. The big Bass will begin the spawning cycle from now until late April in this area depending on the water body and weather. If you are looking for truly remarkable sized bass then this is the time to get out on the water.
THE FLORIDA KEYS
We didn't run any trips down to the keys this month but will be down there starting next month looking for Tarpon in the deeper passes as well as moving offshore for shots at Dolphin, Sailfish and more.