Tampa Bay Feb 2 Fishing Report
So it looks like spring is on its way. I just got done checking out the 10 day forecast and it looks like low 80s to high 70s for the next six days. Things are really going to start changing around here quickly. The past few weeks we have been targeting Redfish, Trout, Sheepshead, and Black Drum in deeper water adjacent to the flats. The fishing has been descent but not explosive. We have not been catching huge numbers of fish but we have been catching quality fish. Redfish have been larger lately, mostly in that 30 inch range. Trout have also been nice in the 18 to 21 inch class & of course with the Sheepshead in full spawn there are plenty of 4 and 5 pounders to catch. The Black Drum has all been perfect eating size from 16 to 23 inches.
All this will change as the water warms. Fish will seek out shallow warmer water and they will get hungry as their metabolism speeds up. Snook will become my main target in a few days; it's these first few warm days of the spring that can make for some extremely exciting Snook fishing. They get extremely shallow on the crystal clear-water flats and gorge themselves on shiners. The most exciting thing about fishing for Snook under these conditions is that you actually get to see a lot of the fish chase your bait and explode on it. Redfish will follow the Snook onto the flats as will the Trout. So while targeting Snook we will catch all three species in the same area. It's also a really great time to target giant Trout. February and March can be the very best time of year to catch trophy Trout. Last year during this phase we had days where we caught 50 over 22 inches with large ones up to 28 inches and left them biting; we should have more of the same shortly. We will also start to see larger schools of Redfish congregating on the shallow flats in 2 to 3 ft of water.
I haven't been offshore lately, mostly because the inshore fishing has been solid enough for me to stay inshore. Februarys is always a great month for Grouper and Flounder, with some Snapper mixed in. I spend most of my February inshore when the Snook fishing becomes explosive.
I hope you guys have enjoyed my report. The flats should explode this week. If you are looking to get out this month give me a call. Until next time, have a great time on the water.
Capt. Matt Ercoli
941-447-9888
www.CaptainMatt.com
