More Cold and Windy Weather, but …
February has just been a bear for fishing on the Space Coast. As I write this report it is 10:30 in the morning and still 52 degrees. The wind is blowing out of the NW at 14 miles per hour. This is the way it has been lately. The cold temps and high winds have kept fishing to a minimal but it does give time for other related things to be done. There are two things I personally like to do when I have down time because of the weather.
One of the things I like to do is use non-fishing days to maintain my equipment. This past month I replace a three year old starting battery in my Pathfinder so I don't have trouble in the future. I also have done the cosmetic things to my boat to protect it from the harsh saltwater environment we fish in. I have patched a few dings, buffed the entire outside hull and applied a coat of sealer in preparation for a wax job. I have checked over my equipment, cleaned it, and repaired it where needed. If you use mono, this would be a good time to put fresh line on your reels for the upcoming spring fishing. If you use braids, this would be a good time to reverse it if you have had it on for a while.
The other thing I like to do is look back at last year's charters and see what might be in store for the coming month. In this case, March is just around the corner and good fishing should be ahead. As I reviewed my information from last year I was uplifted by the prospects of March and warmer weather coming. The good news was the increasing variety of fish that we caught last March and expect to catch this March as well. My records show catches of redfish, spotted sea trout, and jacks in the 5 -6 pound range. We also caught tripletail and cobia when we ventured into the Atlantic waters. For me that means seas of only 2 to 3 feet, but there will be increasing numbers of these days ahead. In fact, a lot of anglers are anticipating the arrival of the cobia, a favorite nearshore fish when they come by this time of year. There were a few reports of Cobia in February, but not yet in the shallow water. Finally, we started catching more snook as the warmer water of March brought these feisty fish back as a better possibility.
So, even though the weather can be crapy, that doesn't mean you have to set there and watch TV. You can use the valuable time to get ready for some great Spring time fishing.
Other Notes of Interest
The Tampa Tribune Outdoor Expo hosted by Frank Sargeant will be held on March 2, 3, and 4. I will be there manning the Florida Guides Association booth so come by and say hi. I will have some Rip Tide samples available with some tips on how to use them.
Keep in mind that it's a new year and a Florida Sportsman Fishing Show will be coming to a location near you. You might want to write down some dates for the shows. Ft. Walton Beach, February 24 and 25; Sarasota, March 17 and 18: Jacksonville, March 24 and 25.
If you happen to be looking for a new boat, check this one out. It belongs to a friend of mine who recently got a new one and is placing this one up for sale. He always gets everything on his boats. It is a 2006 Custom 21 Hewes Redfisher with a Yamaha VZ250 on an Aluminum Trailer. And look at these extras. Power pole with remote, 3x Minnkota Trolling Motor, Lowrance GPS with color mapping and fishfinder, 3 bank charging system. The boat is a one of a kind black custom hull with release wells, pop up cleats, forward and aft seat mounts, jack plate, and a S/S prop. This is a fully equipped, very fast and awesome boat. All other options available are on this boat. Asking $43,500 Or best offer this boat has less than 40 hours and is in perfect condition. Call Tom at 321-453-0205 or 321-453-0590 or email him at towboatz@aol.com with questions.
As always, you can visit my website at www.inshorefishingadventures.com to view pictures of the fish we catch. That's what it's all about. Good fishin'.
Capt. Ron Presley
Phone 321-454-7285
presleyr@bellsouth.net