From the archives: This report reflects fishing and water conditions in February 2015.
I looked back at a few earlier reports before writing this one, so let’s get right to it: winter fishing and diving can be spectacular, but the wind sets the terms. We’ve had cold, breezy weather, and each day’s plan has been about finding fish in water that’s a little warmer, clearer, and more comfortable.
Fishing with the wind
The bayside has been a dependable option, with mangrove snapper, Spanish mackerel, and catch-and-release grouper. It can also be a good choice for families with young kids or anyone who prefers calmer water.
Reef fishing has been productive from shallow to deep. Some days we’re working patch reefs a mile or two offshore in about 15 feet of water; other days, when conditions allow, we’re targeting large yellowtail snapper in water over 100 feet deep. The plan depends on what your group wants to catch and how much sea you’re comfortable with.
A rare bluewater spearfishing day
Between the cold fronts, we’ve had a few beautiful days. Reef visibility has been unpredictable, but I recently got the chance to join a customer on a bluewater trip specifically targeting wahoo. Spearing one takes specialized gear, careful preparation, patience, the right conditions, and a good deal of luck.
Within a couple of hours, Tim landed his first wahoo at 49.1 pounds. About 10 minutes later, I landed my first at 53.6 pounds. It’s special enough to spear a wahoo; having your first be a fish that size makes the moment hard to forget. Experiences like that keep this work fresh for me.
Winter plans always depend on the conditions and the group aboard. If you’d like to talk through a fishing or diving option, send me a note and we’ll see what fits.
