February fishing

February is here and water temps are much higher than normal. Today the water temp at my dock in Chokoloskee is about 6-8 degrees higher than normal at 70 degrees.

For Trout I have been fishing the flats on the incoming tide. Typically the flats are most productive in areas that are three to five feet deep and vary from grass to sand. Throw a 3/8 oz bucktail jig that has some flash in it's tail. A good example flash tail jig is a Don’s Potbelly Jig.  I like to use light spin gear with 10 to 12 lb test line and three feet of 20lb clear fluorocarbon leader. You will also catch Jacks, Spanish Mackerel, and Ladyfish while there.

The backwater bays and rivers hold Sheepshead, Trout, Redfish, Snook, Snapper, Ladyfish, and Jacks. We have had pretty good results using popping corks with Gulp Alive Shrimp on a 1/8oz jig head under the cork. Snapper and Sheepshead will gladly accept small pieces of shrimp, and the Ladyfish love bucktail jigs. Snook can be caught on live baits such as Thread Herring or Pilchards, or a variety of artificial baits such as a DOA Terror Eyz.

Capt Pete Rapps
239-571-1756
CaptainRapps@gmail.com
Hailing out of Chokoloskee Island Park Marina, Chokoloskee, FL

Capt Pete Rapps offers expert guided, light tackle, near shore, and backwater fishing trips out of Chokoloskee and Everglades City, FL.  Book your charter 24/7 with his online booking calendar, and see his first class web site for Booking info, Videos, Recipes, Seasonings, and more at www.CaptainRapps.com