South Padre: February 2024

I am happy to report that fishing has been superb as we enter the month of February. In order to help explain my February strategies, I want to compare February and July. While very different in a number of ways, there are also significant similarities.

Let's begin with February. February is our coldest month. The days are shorter and we probably have the fewest number of fishable days, given the variability of the weather. Fish do not typically move as often or as far as other months, due predominantly to colder water temperatures. They tend to hold in or near deeper water more than any other time of year. This not to say they will not frequent the shallows, but their stay in shallow water will be shorter.

July is a very hot month. The days are longer, which affects trout behavior similarly, but for different reasons. They tend to move in and out of the shallows, mostly to feed, not staying long, due to the elevated water temperatures and depleted oxygen content.

So, air and water temperatures significantly influence fish activity in these two months. July has the hottest temperatures and February has the coldest. One significant tip that could help you this winter is knowing that landmasses lend warmth to the water. With that said, portions of a water body farther from land tend to be colder. Putting these facts together, fishing near land could make a big difference on colder days.

I believe strongly in continuously monitoring water temperature. Just recently I was fishing near Brazos Santiago Pass and found the water temperature colder than I expected. I saw little bait activity, no noticeable signs of fish, and zero bites. As I motored away, I noticed that the further I got from the pass the warmer the water became. Miles away, in water six degrees warmer, we found plenty of fish.

The shallower flats had warmed up faster than the deeper water during that day, and this temperature change made all the difference in finding a bite. If you do not have a device for measuring water temperature, you need one.

Redfish action has been very steady. We are finding spots holding lots of reds throughout the Laguna; from Port Mansfield all the way down to Port Isabel. Limits and more are easily attainable on flats averaging knee- to thigh-deep. The topwater bite has been generally slow, but if that's your preference you would likely find them most willing during the day’s solunar feeding periods.

We are currently finding redfish on both sand and heavily-grassed bottom with potholes, but I expect that will change in February. Look for areas of mud bottom near deeper water as the water temps continue to decline.

Redfish will still frequent the shallows, but with colder water temperatures they will be less likely to chase their food, which means we will need to slow our presentations. This is where the ZMan Texas Eye Finesse jigheads really shine. You can literally drag your soft plastics across the bottom without getting hung up. The four and five inch ZMan PaddlerZ work very well on this jighead.

If I had to pick only one month to target trophy trout, it would be February. The fish are heavier in March and April, but the colder water temperatures and overall lower tides lend to making their whereabouts more predictable. Already we are seeing significant numbers of trout in the four to six-pound class, a good number in the over-six to seven range, and a few in the eight-and-over category. This time of the year, the bigger trout may be found in predictable haunts but the greatest challenge still lies in getting them to bite.

I say study the solunar feeding periods, tidal movements, position of the moon, and the weather…then cast a couple thousand times. Hopefully you can get a lure in front of one thinking with its belly and not survival instincts!

What will we be throwing at these speckled monsters? My choices will be Paul Brown’s Corkys and ZMan's Mulletron, Paddlerz, and StreakZ. My favorite ZMan colors at present are Pearl, Sexy Penny, and Space Guppy.

If the temperatures take a big dive, focus your efforts on the ICW, areas around the Queen Isabela Causeway, Brazos Santiago jetties, and Brownsville Ship Channel.

Mark your calendar for the Houston Fishing Show at the George R. Brown Convention Center – February 14-18. I will be working the Fishing Tackle Unlimited booth. Stop by and ask me why I use their G2 Green Rods.

Best fishing!