When we speak of fishing in February here at Mexico Beach, we are mostly talking about fishing in the Bay and ICW and catching those big ‘ole speckled trout and nice redfish. We also have plenty of whiting along the beaches and they seem to be hungry at this time of year as well as the pompano and sheepshead around the buoy markers. January has been coming on real nice with plenty of fish, and I expect it to improve as February arrives.
We would suggest going offshore and catching some of the big ‘ole red snapper and grouper, but NOAA officials tell us that we cannot bring home any of those fish except maybe a red grouper until after the end of March. And, even then, as to the information I have at this time, we will only be able to bring home red snapper beginning on June 1st and gag grouper beginning July 1st. How many days they are going to let us bring home a limit of 2 per person of either species is a big question at this time. NOAA is really trying to keep all of those fish that are in the Gulf, and apparently are very hungry, from coming home with any of us whether you are on a charter boat or just fishing in your own personal boat. We need all the help we can get to convince our congressman to please help all of us to have fish for dinner at least once a week.
Don’t forget to file a float plan, and let somebody know when you are going to return.