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February’s Fish Magnets
A personal best for Eric Hoff.
The month of February is typically the coldest month of the year in south Texas but also one of the hottest times of the year to land big fish including the highly sought after trophy trout. The months of December and January certainly did their share of bringing us fun catching days. Already this winter we have surpassed the number of four to six pounders caught compared to last year and, to say the least, last year was exceptional. It seems the fish started putting on weight early this winter. In the coming months magnum trout will only get heavier as they get ready for the reproductive cycle that will begin in the spring.
On a recent trip I was having a conversation with two clients as we headed out on a calm morning; the waters were as slick as glass. I shared with them that certain areas are like fish magnets and these areas can be very predictable under the right conditions. It could be the right temperature, favorable bottom structure, right depth, quick access to deeper water, or strong tidal flow to name a few. As we continued our trek, I made it a point to make a pass over some of these areas to educate my passengers. Sure enough every spot I pointed out to them had fish in it as could be determined by the wakes and ripples they created. The only reason we didn't stop at any of these was their desire to have a chance at a big trout and I had one place in mind where I thought they would have their best chance. During our conversation, Jorge made a comment, "You mean it's like us going to the same restaurant week in and week out." I knew then the light was growing brighter.
During past winters I have taken advantage of slick calm conditions to find areas that seem to attract fish in the winter on a consistent basis. There have been countless trips where my decision was not to stop despite observing fish. Continuing my scouting and doing a little homework has contributed to the rewards we have reaped.
This winter we continue to find quality fish in the same areas. The keys to our recent successful catches have been keying on the presence of mullet even if it's just a few jumping within a confined area. The most productive bite has been found where the currents are strongest; incoming or outgoing tide matters little as compares strength of the flow. Here lately the late afternoon to evening bite has been the most productive. The tides have been very low and will continue to be at low levels throughout the month of February. This is a welcome event because it shrinks the playing field.
The bigger trout have stationed themselves over muddy, shell bottoms along guts, drains or ledges that allow the tidal flow to bring them their next meal. On high tide and warmer days we find the bigger trout in the shallows. On cooler, lower tide days the trout tend to back off into deeper water and we focus our efforts around waist to belly depth. Other magnet areas to consider this time of the year are along spoil banks where the landmass tends to hold warmer temperatures and this can make a big difference on chilly days. Look for areas that include depth changes. Sometimes even a change of a few inches can make a huge difference.
Our top performing lures continue to be Brown Lure Company Sea Devils in dark colors. Corky Devils and Fat Boys, worked slowly over guts, drains, and drop-offs, have also produced some great catches this winter and should continue to do so in the month of February.
When the weather will allow you to get out, don't turn down an opportunity to land a personal best fish, whether it be a gigantic redfish, trophy trout, or a line shredding snook. Remember to fish slow and hard during cooler temperatures and good luck in your trophy chase this winter.
On a recent trip I was having a conversation with two clients as we headed out on a calm morning; the waters were as slick as glass. I shared with them that certain areas are like fish magnets and these areas can be very predictable under the right conditions. It could be the right temperature, favorable bottom structure, right depth, quick access to deeper water, or strong tidal flow to name a few. As we continued our trek, I made it a point to make a pass over some of these areas to educate my passengers. Sure enough every spot I pointed out to them had fish in it as could be determined by the wakes and ripples they created. The only reason we didn't stop at any of these was their desire to have a chance at a big trout and I had one place in mind where I thought they would have their best chance. During our conversation, Jorge made a comment, "You mean it's like us going to the same restaurant week in and week out." I knew then the light was growing brighter.
During past winters I have taken advantage of slick calm conditions to find areas that seem to attract fish in the winter on a consistent basis. There have been countless trips where my decision was not to stop despite observing fish. Continuing my scouting and doing a little homework has contributed to the rewards we have reaped.
This winter we continue to find quality fish in the same areas. The keys to our recent successful catches have been keying on the presence of mullet even if it's just a few jumping within a confined area. The most productive bite has been found where the currents are strongest; incoming or outgoing tide matters little as compares strength of the flow. Here lately the late afternoon to evening bite has been the most productive. The tides have been very low and will continue to be at low levels throughout the month of February. This is a welcome event because it shrinks the playing field.
The bigger trout have stationed themselves over muddy, shell bottoms along guts, drains or ledges that allow the tidal flow to bring them their next meal. On high tide and warmer days we find the bigger trout in the shallows. On cooler, lower tide days the trout tend to back off into deeper water and we focus our efforts around waist to belly depth. Other magnet areas to consider this time of the year are along spoil banks where the landmass tends to hold warmer temperatures and this can make a big difference on chilly days. Look for areas that include depth changes. Sometimes even a change of a few inches can make a huge difference.
Our top performing lures continue to be Brown Lure Company Sea Devils in dark colors. Corky Devils and Fat Boys, worked slowly over guts, drains, and drop-offs, have also produced some great catches this winter and should continue to do so in the month of February.
When the weather will allow you to get out, don't turn down an opportunity to land a personal best fish, whether it be a gigantic redfish, trophy trout, or a line shredding snook. Remember to fish slow and hard during cooler temperatures and good luck in your trophy chase this winter.