Wintertime flats fishing… it’s hard to beat! Flats Fishing in February brings the better weather we’ve been waiting for, but some cold days are still in the mix. As we see more nice weather and less rain, the river will continue to get shallower and cooler.

While the river water level lowers, the water will get cleaner and cleaner, opening up for some excellent sight fishing. We have seen continual improvement in the river’s water quality and grass growth. Nothing near what it used to be but a significant improvement, bringing great success in the fishery.

What can we catch Flats fishing in February?

We have been on a great bite of black drums for the last few weeks, with large schools of big black drums migrating to spawn in the river. These schools of fish are some of the best and most beautiful action fish here is to fish in the river. Giving anglers hundreds of shots at quality fish within casting distance of the boat, thousands of drums pile up and can be spotted by their large tails waving out of the water, displaying quite the show.

There have been the occasional schools of redfish in the mix as well; we will begin to see more redfish being caught as we work further into February, with smaller schools of redfish being a common sight. The warmer weather will be great for snook fishing as we’ll see many more snook hanging out in the open, enjoying the warmer days.

The snook and redfish are fished similarly, by casting along the mangroves and grass flats. Speckled trout are an Indian River Lagoon specialty, and late winter/ early spring can be some of the best trout action. Getting on a great topwater trout fishing bite can be one of the best ways to spend a morning on the water.

Looking to get out flats fishing in February on our 18ft beavertail, we offer ½ & ¾ day trips fishing with spinning and fly tackle, using artificial and live bait when best. Artificial bait is always a go-to on the flats boat, but we will always have live bait when conditions require it.  To learn more about our flats’ boat trips, check out our inshore and nearshore fishing trips.