February in the Everglades National Park

With February fast approaching and the weather changes that are expected, we will see a change in the fishing. Of course, this all depends on the weather cycle and one thing I have learned in the last 40 years is you can't predict what is going to happen so you must generalize. February usually sees larger Tarpon showing up. This makes for some great times. It can be very challenging but has a great reward just to be able to hook up. As the month progresses, it will get even better – it’s a great way to spend a day here. Tarpon can be a tough quarry most days, but sometimes you hit it just right and they are eating anything that passes in front of them. This is what keeps Tarpon fishermen going. Just the chance that you will have one of those days, or a fish of a lifetime! If you want to catch Tarpon, you must be committed. But then there are those days when opportunity arises, and you get them when you least expect it. So be prepared when they are here and if they show up, you just might get that trophy fish.

For those that don't want to tangle with the Tarpon, we have some of the best Trout fishing of all year in February. Bigger fish have generally moved inshore this month and catching 20" Trout is possible most days. These fish will be on the flats and around the outside oyster bars. At least they will be on what is left of these. Grasses are not what they used to be. So, keep on moving and looking as the fish congregate in tighter areas due to this. You used to be able to drift these flats and catch Trout all the way across, but now you will find pockets of fish. If using live shrimp on a cork, you may also catch some nice Pompano! Not to mention all the others like Mackerel, Bluefish, Jacks, and Ladyfish. A great way to spend the day with kids or novice anglers.

In and around the Islands, you can catch Black Drum, Redfish, Seatrout, and even some Snook. Casting jigs around the edges of the Islands and bars is a great way to find these fish. They will all take slow-fished jigs. Just remember to work it as slowly as possible, which allows the Drum and Reds to find it. Scented tails or tipped with shrimp is the way to go. Like I said, there will be some Snook moving back into the Islands and they are suckers for a properly fished jig. A lot of people fish them too fast and jig them way too hard, especially in shallow waters. Deeper water allows for more of a jigging action, but in shallow water, it is best with a softer jigging action. Color can also matter and I switch between glow and root beer with a chartreuse tail most days. I do carry a bigger variety but these color patterns are proven. Quarter-ounce or three-eighth-ounce jig heads will suffice. I use some custom-made red jigs from Roosbaitco. These have a strong, wide gap hook. A small gap hook can prevent you from hooking a big Snook, and a weak hook can cause you to lose it when it straightens out. So don't use just any cheap jigs, or you will only have yourself to blame when you finally hook that good fish and lose him.

We have the Seafood Festival coming up and I will once again be there in my booth promoting my Amazon Fishing Lodge. But I will also be showing the gear that I use both at my Lodge and here in the Everglades. From Jigs, Tails, to Rods and Reels, you can see what I use to catch big Snook in the Everglades and big Peacock Bass in Brazil's Amazon. So, stop by and say hello. We will most likely be raffling off some great stuff, too! Good luck fishing - take a kid fishing and make some memories!