The Daily Catch | Fishing Report – February 2026
February has brought us some beautiful days on the water, even with water temperatures sitting right around 55 degrees. While winter can always bring its share of cold fronts and wind, the days we’ve been able to get offshore have been absolutely gorgeous. We’ve had several slick calm mornings where the Gulf looks like glass, making for smooth runs and comfortable fishing conditions.
It’s definitely been a little chilly on the ride out, but once we get anchored up and the sun starts warming things up, it feels great. Afternoon temperatures have been reaching 70–75 degrees, and that winter sunshine makes for a really enjoyable day on the water.
With the water still super cold, we’ve been adjusting our fishing patterns and staying in closer on most trips.
What We’re Catching Right Now
On our 4–6 hour trips, we’ve been focusing on bottom fishing in shallower depths, and it has been producing a great variety of fish. Using sardines, squid, and shrimp, we’ve been consistently catching Key West snapper, porgies, black sea bass, puffer fish, hogfish, and red grouper, with the occasional keeper red grouper on a lucky half-day trip.
The variety on these shorter trips has kept rods bending and everyone smiling. Black sea bass have been a steady bite, including some solid fish that have made for exciting catches. Hogfish have also been showing up, especially when fishing with shrimp. They’re always a highlight and one of our favorite fish to see come over the rail.
Gag grouper have been around as well and have been fun to hook into. While we’ve had to release them, they’ve definitely put up a great fight and added some excitement to the day.
On our longer, all-day trips, we’ve been able to push out a little deeper while still focusing heavily on hogfish. Those extended trips give us more time to work different spots and dial in the bite. Along with hogfish, we’ve been getting red grouper more consistently in the mix on these longer runs. When you have the extra time to move and adjust, it definitely increases the chances of finding those quality bites.
February fishing is all about patience, adjusting to the conditions, and making the most of the opportunities the weather gives us. When the seas have been calm, it’s been hard to beat. There’s something special about a slick Gulf, light winds, and steady bottom fishing action.
Marina Update & Looking Ahead
Outside of the fishing itself, we’re excited about some changes happening at the marina. We are officially settled into our new slip behind the marina building on the floating docks, and it came out beautifully. It’s been great getting comfortable in the new space and watching everything take shape. We’re currently in Phase 2 of construction, and while it will be about a year before we move into our permanent slips, it’s exciting to see the progress and imagine what the finished marina will look like.
Looking ahead to March, spring break is right around the corner. As the water temperatures begin to warm, we’ll start keeping an eye out for the seasonal shift that brings Spanish mackerel into the area, followed by king mackerel not long after. That transition into trolling season is always something we look forward to.
For now, February has delivered calm days, steady bottom fishing, and plenty of variety. Whether you’re looking for a 4–6 hour trip close to shore or a longer all-day adventure with a chance at more grouper in deeper water, we’ve been finding ways to make it happen. We’re looking forward to warmer water and what March has in store, and we can’t wait to get you out there. Give us a call at (727) 496-3474 or click HERE to book!
