Coastal Eco Charters : February Trolling for Specs - FryingPanTower.Com

2nd Mate Joined: Feb 13, 2008 Posts: 25

For February fishing I am focusing on Specked Trout. In addition to schooling reds in the shallows, deep water Specs are the another year round fishery. As with anytime of year, a key factor in finding the fish is water temperature. Unlike the resident reds, winter specs migrate upstream away from the shallow salt marsh creeks and congregate into the deep, warmer waters.

I fish the waters from Coquina Lighthouse north past the Swing Bridge. Specs migrate within the estuary, as opposed to moving in and out of the estuary; like flounder. In fact, tagging data found that 50% of specs travel less than >0-5 miles from the point of capture. Understanding this pattern can keep you hot on their trail year round.

Water temps upstream were up to 5 degrees warmer (55 degrees) at the swing bridge than near the inlet.Trolling for Specs is productive year round, but especially this time of year to locate concentrations of fish. I fish depths from 6'-20' using light line (8lb test), medium rods, and troll 1/4 plastic jigs, deep diving crankbaits, and plastic jigs with spinning blades. Troll baits on the bottom at slow walking speed in a long S patterns until fish are located. Once a fish is landed, I will troll it again or anchor and fish. Do not expect the Specs to be in the same spot each day that is why trolling is so effective this time of year.

It is all uphill Spec fishing from here! By following them back to the creeks and jetties during the summer spawn (May to August) then back upstream during the fall migration upstream (Oct-Dec), Specs will keep you busy year round.

Another note, handle out of slot Specs with care and wet hands. They have very small scales covered only by a thin slime layer. Avoid overhandling to keep them from losing too many scales.

Capt. Michael
CoastalEcoCharters.com

	FryingPanTower.Com Forum Index -> Coastal Eco-Charters	All times are GMT - 5 Hours
Page 1 of 1