February Heats Up

We’re in the midst of one of the best February’s of all time. I can’t recall a winter where the fishing has heated up this much so quickly. Groups of adult tarpon have moved into the backcounty, and they’re eating flies. Schools of bonefish are feeding on the flats, and the pre-spawn permit are in. In addition, big barracudas are patrolling the flats, and you may have a chance of casting at a free swimming cobia in the backcountry.

My favorite fish this month was a 25 pound cobia Ted sight fished off a bull shark yesterday. We noticed a bull shark patrolling our tarpon spot, and it had two big cobia riding it’s back in search of food scraps. We poled it down, and in one cast Ted pulled the cobia away from the shark as it inhaled his fly. We landed it after an intense fight. What a catch!

Greg was down for a few days earlier this month in pursuit of his first permit on fly. We’ve been after a permit the last few years, and we were lucky enough to have three great weather days. On day two we poled a flat that had groups of fish cycling and feeding down the edge. After a couple of close calls he hooked up to a beautiful Florida Keys permit. Before releasing this fish, we took measurements as well as a fin clip and fecal swab for Bonefish Tarpon Trust permit research. Great catch Greg!

In addition to these great catches, we’ve been having excellent tarpon fishing. Many fish fed, jumped, and landed this month. The tarpon fishing will keep heating up as we head into tarpon season in a few months!

Greg with his first ever permit landed on fly! We’ve been working hard for this one over the last few years!

Epic 25 pound cobia landed by Ted on fly in the backcounty! Ted sight casted this fish off a bull shark!