TYBEE BEACHCOMBER | FEB 2020 17
THE
Fish
Captain
Nick Shreves
Whisperer
Feb. Fishing Forecast
INSHORE
Inshore fishing is going to be tough this February as water temperatures
are below average and we have had a few fish die due to the cold weather.
DNR is also asking for voluntary release of all Speckled Sea Trout over 18
inches. The larger fish release more eggs and produce more fish for you
to catch in the future. Sheepshead are still around munching on Fiddler
Crabs, Barnacle’s and Oysters. These fish love to be around structures and
if its low tide you will see the white marks from them feeding along the
pilings. Pay attention to this and you will find the bigger schools. Speckled
Sea Trout are hanging out in the deeper holes waiting for food to come
to them. The Red Drum can be found in the shallow mud flats sunning
themselves on those warm afternoons.
NEAR SHORE
Nearshore the Black Sea Bass should be heading to deeper waters with
the colder water that has set up in our region. Sheepsheads have moved
out to the reefs and are ready to eat every Fiddler Crab you offer them. For
Sheepshead, use a rod with a fast action tip so you can see their light bite.
A Carolina style rig with an ultra-sharp live bait hook gives you the best
chance at putting these bait stealers in the fish box. I tend to take at least
100 crabs per person as these fish will steal your bait very often.
OFFSHORE
Offshore fishing has remained really good for those willing to make the run
out deep. All you have to do is to wait for a day with nice weather and go,
the fish are hungry. Triggerfish, Red Porgies, Vermilion Snapper and lots of
Grunts are all feeding heavy. Squid and Boston Mackerel are great baits for
all these fish. Amberjack and Barracuda can be found near the towers and
are best caught on live bait jigs or trolling large lures. Then for those with
the gear, high speed trolling is producing plenty of Wahoo as well. These
fish can be found along the big temperature breaks found near the stream.
Check out your sea surface charts and watch your temp readings and you
have a great chance and catching one of the fastest fish in the ocean.
Thank you for all your support and hope you all have tight lines and
full fish boxes. To join me on a fishing trip, call me at Big Fish Charter
(913) 230-4625.