The Daily Catch | Fishing Report – February 2025
As we navigate through February, our offshore fishing trips out of Clearwater Beach have been producing solid action, despite the chilly weather. We’ve been primarily using shrimp as our go-to bait, and it has paid off with a fantastic variety of catches. Hogfish, flounder, strawberry grouper, and snapper have all been eager to take the bait, providing steady rod-bending action for our anglers.
Light Bites Require Finesse
With the colder water temperatures, the fish are still feeding, but their bites have been much more subtle. Paying close attention to even the slightest nibbles has been crucial to success. To help detect these light bites, we’ve been favoring knocker rigs on light tackle spinning rods, which allow for better sensitivity and a natural bait presentation. The grey snappers have slowed down in this cold, which has given hogfish a better shot at getting to the bait first—great news for those looking to target this prized species!
Gag Grouper Going Strong, Despite Season Closure
For those targeting bigger fish, the gag grouper bite has remained solid, especially when using cut bait like Spanish sardines or herring. Although gag grouper season is currently closed, we have still been catching some nice ones. These fish have been holding tight to structure, and patience is key when waiting for them to commit. A well-placed bait near rock piles or ledges has been producing some hefty gags!
Red Grouper Season is Open!
While gag grouper season is closed, red grouper season is open, and we’re looking forward to capitalizing on this great fishery. As we move into the warmer months, our longer 8-12 hour trips will be ideal for targeting these hard-fighting and delicious fish.
Signs of Spring: Spanish Mackerel Arrival
A sure sign that spring is on the horizon is the arrival of Spanish mackerel! These fast and aggressive fish have started to show up, setting the stage for an exciting spring break fishing season in March. Soon, we’ll be trolling for both Spanish and king mackerel, and we’re also looking forward to seeing more blackfin tuna, barracuda, bonita, and cobia in the mix as the water warms up.
Book Your Spring Break Fishing Trip!
With the bite staying strong between cold fronts and the anticipation of even more action in the coming weeks, now is the perfect time to plan your next offshore adventure. Spring break is right around the corner, so book early to secure your spot! Call us at 727-496-3474 or click HERE to schedule your trip today. Let’s get you on the water and hooked up!
