    
Captain Ed Lewis (Capt_ed)
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Username: Capt_ed
Post Number: 1
Registered: 1-2004
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Votes: 1 | | Posted on Thursday, January 15, 2004 - 9:55 am: | |
Catchin' Report February 2004
Captain Ed Lewis
It’s February and darn cold out on the saltwater. However, some good fishing can be had between fronts when the water warms some. If not, get out your light tackle, head for the lakes and catch a mess of slab speckled perch.
Tip of the Month: Eye wear- the right pair of sunglasses is crucial this time of year. Polarized, amber or copper lens are a must to see fish in clear water. Ocean Waves or Action Optics among others, make rugged glasses and are worth the investment. If you can see them, before they see you, then you can catch em.
On nights when we have temperatures plummeting down in the low 40's fishing will be best up in the day. If you have no other choice but to fish first thing in the morning check out deep holes in creeks and rivers. Head as far back as your boat will carry you and look for mullet. Besides holding sheephead, black drum and trout, these holes can be very productive for reds. The deep water is affected less from the plummeting nighttime temperatures. Reds and other fish will hold up there until the first rays of sunlight warm the surrounding waters.
In the afternoons look for reds on the backcountry mud/shallow flats. They are seeking the warmth provided by the sun and will scavenge across the shallow flats, sometimes head down rooting up small crabs and shrimp. In the wintertime when reds are tailing in the shallows it may be best to fish a live shrimp on a 1/8 or 1/16 oz jig or just free line. I prefer free lining, if you can get shrimp big enough.. Because of native shrimp sometime being scares this time of year inshore, I seldom see a red pass up this easy meal. With the clear water, it is possible sometimes to see the reds tailing on the flats at low tide. When you see this, just present your shrimp or fly just in front of the red about several feet and let it lie. Then as the red approaches wiggle the rod just a little. Then hold on.
If the water temps are around 60 inshore, you can have good success fishing oyster bars and rocky points with a light jig head and Saltwater Assassin split tail grub. Reds, and trout will hammer the Saltwater Assassins fished on a lighter than normal 1/8 oz Jig head. The lighter weight allows it to flutter slower to the bottom thus allowing more time for the fish to strike. Don't forget with the chilly water temperature fish movements slow down considerably and you will need to give them a three count before setting the hook.
Trout season is closed for February in our area. However, If March is like previous years, trout season will open like gangbusters. Of course, you can still catch 'em, just be very gentle and careful on your release. Some folks like to bend the barb down on their hook so as not to harm the fish.
Most Grouper Getters will have to find 50 foot water or better this time of year to catch their limit. Baits should be fished slow as the fish aren't nearly as agressive as during warm months. So be patient. However, spring is not far away.
Fly anglers weapon of choice this time of year is a chartreuse or red and white Clouser. Instead of working deep 15-ft water, flyfishers should present their fly to water that is 1-4 ft deep. Just make sure it has deep water near by. A pink shrimp imitation and gold spoonfly works well also.
Valentine’s Day is this month. So, don’t forget your special valentine.
I have been blessed with mine for 34 years. Sandi has been my first mate and only mate for those years and she has been better than I deserve.
On Valentine's Day, Saturday Feb 14th, I'll be in Orlando at the Bass Pro Shop Outdoor World. We have been invited back to do saltwater seminars. Seminars are at 10, 2 and 4 oclock. So, come on down and say hi. I would enjoy meeting you. Maybe we can show you an idea which will help you catch more fish in 2004. They are located just off International Drive and their mega store has just about everything under the sun you could ever need.
And remember, take a youngster fishing,’ cause a child's smile and a good day fishin' is the best medicine for what ails ya.
May the Good Lord smile upon you and brighten your path until we meet again.
Until next time......
Captain Ed Lewis
WWW.Redfishhunter.com
(352) 629-9684
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