As usual, mid-winter is a time that you have to check the marine forecast every day before you can even think about going fishing - particularly off shore. However, this winter has been rather unusual in that we have summer time weather for 3 or 4 days and then we have winter time weather for a week. That means that you still need to check the weather before heading out.
Inshore fishing is still coming on very strong with the large red fish that you have to return to the water because they are too large for the government to let you keep. The big ol’ speckled trout are still showing up big time in the deep water spots in the bay and in the intercostal waterway. The reds and specks make for a fun fishing trip. Off shore fishing is not going on very much due to the wind and sea conditions. However, when you can get out to the deeper water the red grouper are coming on real good along with all of the different snapper and the amberjack are loaded up on all the fishing spots. There is plenty of fish off shore and they all seem to be very hungry for a bait, rather it be a live bait or a dead bait. Hopefully March will turn into a good weather month to catch those big ones.
Don’t forget to file a float plan, and let somebody know when you are going to return.