Fishing Report February 2018
Capt. Rick Davidson, Editor (grassflats2@yahoo.com)
Sea Hag February Report
Warming trends near the end of February resulted in a dramatic improvement in consistency this month. While early in the month there were some days that were challenging, things began to settle into the spring pattern after 80 degree temperatures near the end of the month. There were some really large trout and more consistent redfish taken, and the first tournament of the season, held in conjunction with the Fiddler Crab Festival, was a great success. Fishing spots that were productive near the end of the month included areas outside of Pepperfish Keys, flats outside of Hardy Point, the Sink Creek area (all to the south) and to the north, the flats outside of Dallus and Clay Creek. Water temperatures are now high enough so that fish are slamming topwater plugs. In sandy areas there have continued to be some excellent flounder action. Here are some pictures from this past month.
Sea Hag March Fishing Forecast
Things will only get even better this month with rising water temperatures. Redfish are already schooling close to shore and are taking topwater and suspending plugs as well as jigs and soft tails. Flooded oyster bars and marshes on higher tides have given up good solitary fish. Larger trout have been taken in slightly deeper water and have been eating lures as well as Gulp baits under popping corks. We can expect cobia to start to arrive on nearshore structure; watch for them cruising the flats as well. Offshore, amberjack, gag grouper and red snapper seasons are closed, but there are still kingfish migrating southward. One definite positive is that we can expect an early arrival of sheepshead on nearshore rock piles and other structure, since some have already been caught. Fiddler crabs and live shrimp are the go-to baits for sheepshead, and an easy place to start is the Steinhatchee Reef, directly west of Marker 1 about nine miles offshore. Remember the bag limit is 15 fish over 12” per person, and there are concerns over the health of the local fishery, so please stick to the limits.
Don’t forget that there are several tournaments based out of the Sea Hag this month. Here’s a list:
- Elite Redfish Challenge/Florida Pro Redfish Series March 10, 2018 – Captain’s Meeting March 9th
- SEA HAG MARINA’s March Madness – Whole Month of March – Winner will be picked by a Random Drawing
- Steinhatchee Community Tournament March 24, 2018
- Ira Carter Lodge #150 Inshore Fishing Tournament March 31, 2018 Ryan Willingham: 352-246-0940
It’s going to be a great month to fish, and remember we have rods, reels, tackle, lures and live bait….everything you need, including rental boats, so come see us and catch some fish.
Captain Kyle Skipper M1fishing.com (352) 317-1654
Water temperatures are quickly increasing and the activity on the flats is doing the same. The redfish bite has been fairly consistent and the trout are absolutely on fire. The weather has been nice and the sun has been shining. I still have plenty of available charters this month and as usual would love to show you around. Scallop charters are starting to book up quickly so don’t wait until last minute. God Bless and tight lines!
Captain Steve Rassel 352-359-5902 www.lastcastrass.net
