If inshore anglers had to rank February as a fishing month, it would likely fall from its number two spot in the year to number twelve on the list. But, that doesn’t mean your rods and reels should be stored in the back of the garage or some dark corner of the attic. Despite inshore water temperatures hovering in the 40s, this is Louisiana, and we still have some great fishing choices inshore and offshore.

      February is a great month for Redfish, Drum and Sheepshead. Whether you blind cast, sight cast, fly fish or stick to the more traditional methods of popping corks and market bait, these “Polar Bear Fish” are a great choice early in the year for numerous reasons.

1.     Redfish, Drum, and Sheepshead aren’t as affected by the cooler water temperatures as speckled trout. These fish are as a hearty and active below the water as the nutria that live above them.

2.     The larger the fish, the more food they require. The need to eat keeps these fish active.

3.     Less bait means longer feeding periods. This is a time of year that traditionally is short on bait.  Reds spend more time of the day looking for food. That means a greater chance of finding hungry fish

4.     Cooler waters take a little of the skittishness out of the fish. This is a good time to try your hand at Sight Casting. The cold-water temperatures tend to settle the fish a bit. Often you can ease your boat right over winter time Reds

      Just pick a warm (high 50s/low 60s) day and a falling tide for Redfish and almost every cut draining water from the marsh will be a honey hole.

      Drum will likely stay in the deeper channels, especially where shallow water moves into the deep water. Bait on the bottom will find Drum faster than any other technique. Deep channels with shells are the best.

      Sheepshead are everywhere. While often considered the stepchild of the inshore fishing family, these fish are great fighters and even better table fare. Cleaning them is the reason so many avoid the fish, but with a little practice, you can minimize your chance of getting cut or stuck by their sharp gill plates and fins.

While we are on the subject of Sheepshead:

      If you eat fish enough to understand the seasonal peaks of each species, you need to know that this month through March is the best time to eat Sheepshead. Despite a lot of bad press, the fillet is as good as any inshore fish, including Speckled Trout.

      A simple fact is that more Sheepshead and Drum is sold from local fish houses and processors than any other fish. That means it is being served somewhere. Now, I don’t want to start an ethical conversation, so let me be delicate. There are likely several if not many restaurants in our area that, at one time or another, have substituted Sheepshead for Speckled Trout in their dishes. I say this because I have experienced it myself, and while I do not condone menu substitutions without disclosure, there are times I don’t mind. I can however, offer two suggestions for you the consumer:

1.     Get to know the Sheepshead filet. Even when cut to the shape of a Speckled Trout fillet, the flesh has unique characteristics. The best way to learn the difference is to clean a few; you’ll be an expert in no time.

2.     Understand the substitution is not necessarily a bad thing. Speckled Trout in the winter is not always readily available; it may be frozen or less than fresh. Sheepshead on the other hand, is likely to be local and very fresh.

      Because the Sheepshead usually costs less than Trout, you are also likely to get a more generous portion. Now, I am a firm believer that if you are serving Sheepshead almandine and not Trout almandine, you should say so. But, I also believe the person ordering fish should have enough knowledge to know at what time of year which fish is better.

      If the scales are left on, Sheepshead can be grilled like Redfish, filleted and you can treat it like any white fish. Fried, sautéed, broiled, or grilled, this fish may rapidly become a favorite and this is a great time of year to catch the underrated fish.

Offshore

If February is at the bottom of the inshore anglers favorite month list, it will find itself ranked much higher for the offshore enthusiasts. February is a great Yellow fin Tuna month. Grouper and other reef fish are active and most are relatively close to the Mississippi river. There are added bonuses as well. Whale Sharks and Whales are relatively active in the Gulf. Seeing these monster-sized fish and mammals is a real treat. On a very recent trip, Northshore Conifer publisher Denis Bechac joined Team BIGFISH for an offshore trip with Capt. Hunter Caballero. Denis landed a Yellowfin tuna close to 100 pounds and on the way back to the Mississippi River, we found a pod of Sperm Whales. It was a first for everyone on the boat, including me.

So don’t give up your fishing just because it’s February. Doing so promotes Cabin Fever, a health hazard to you and usually irritating to everyone else. Get out on a few “Polar Bear” fish or jump in with both feet and head offshore.

Either way, Get Out and Get On’em!

CT