South Padre: February 2026

Last month I discussed how I prepare for fishing trips—both the evening before and on the morning of the trip. If you have not read it, I highly suggest you get your hands on a copy for some insight, or at least a reminder.

In this month’s article, I want to continue with Part II to hopefully enable you to gain more of an upper hand on these fish. A wise fisherman will always be quick to utilize any advantage available.

I mentioned last month that the position of the moon in the sky affects a fish’s feeding behavior, and I stand 100% behind that statement. I also stated that when the moon is at a forty-five-degree angle relative to the horizon—whether above or below—I have noticed increased activity in many creatures, not just gamefish. I’m talking baitfish, birds, game animals, and even livestock can be seen becoming more active.

This window usually lasts about an hour and a half after the moon disappears below the horizon, or until it rises above forty-five degrees in the sky.

Here’s another important fact: the closer the moon is to Earth, the greater the gravitational pull it exerts. Hence, the greater the effect the moon will have on creatures in the natural world. I challenge you to pay attention to the moon’s position (angle) in the sky as you fish.

Here’s a great example: earlier the fish were nibbling the lure, and now they’re hammering it. Noting these types of changes and comparing them to the day’s solunar predictions can be quite revealing. The moon’s movement and phases are a complex puzzle that can be learned and understood with careful observation.

I want to add yet another of my theories. It is believed—and I agree—that a full moon can provide significant illumination during nighttime hours. Therefore, fish might be inclined to feed more under a bright moon than a dark one. So, if this is true, could it perhaps explain why they might be sluggish in their feeding the following day?

But what happens during winter? Sure, the moon might be bright enough for them to feed, but will colder nighttime water temperatures cancel that activity because their metabolism is too low to allow it? This is what I mean when I say the moon’s movements and phases are a complex puzzle.

We have been doing very well on redfish lately, despite the ever-increasing pressure on the species since TPWD tightened the trout regulations. Redfish are very plentiful on the flats east and west of the ICW, from the Arroyo Colorado all the way up to Port Mansfield. I suspect these fish will relocate to deeper water if and when we receive enough northerly weather to drive them off the flats. Current lure selection for reds has included ZMan’s Kicker Crabz, Big Ballerz, Paddlerz, and Diezel Minnowz on slightly heavier jigs than normal—typically 3/16- to 1/4-ounce Texas Eye Weedless Hooks.

All of the unusually warm weather we experienced in December and January has caused the bigger trout to evade our efforts. There are definitely some big trout out there, and a few are being caught, but not in the numbers we expect in late December and January. Since February is typically the coldest month of the year for us, I expect that pattern to change as soon as temperatures dip and colder weather settles in.

When we finally fall into a more normal weather and water-temperature pattern, look for trout to stage in deeper pockets throughout the bay system. On warmer February days, look for the better trout to slowly move shallow—not only to feed, but also to warm up. One of the things that makes February such a good month to target big trout is that they tend to congregate in bunches. Colder weather makes them hang out together, and for this reason, it increases your chances of landing a trophy-sized fish. Overall, trout fishing has been excellent for keeper-size fish along the ICW and East Cut, if that is what you are seeking.

Wrapping up, I invite you to check out the Houston Fishing Show, February 18–22, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. I will be at the Fishing Tackle Unlimited booth on February 20–22. Come by, say hello, and let me put one of the new G2 Finesse Green Rods in your hand!