The winds are blowing, tides are low, and the water is too cold for the fish to bite right now. Don’t lose hope, because thanks to the hot water runoff of the power plants, February can be a most productive month. Snook, Redfish, Pompano, Jacks, Trout, Sharks and Cobia are just a few of the species which invade the warm waters of the power plants.

Several things to take into consideration are water temperature and tides. The lower the water temperature the better the bite, and combined with low tides you have the perfect ingredients for a successful fishing trip. The low winter tides due to high pressure systems force fish into deeper waters and in search for warmer waters and self preservation giving the angler an advantage. Think of it as putting in a fish bowl for you to fish.

Best Times to Fish: My experience for the best time to fish has been from sunrise to 10 am depending on cloud cover. On cloudy days you can stretch it a couple of extra hours and on bright sunny days, maybe less. Once the sun’s rays start to warm the water, the fish have a tendency to move towards the outer edges of the channel and even into deeper flats to feed, and return again at sunset.

Where to Fish: Depending on where you fish dictates how you are going to fish. When fishing the center of the channel, you will find that fish such as Snook, Flounder, Pompano and Redfish tend to hug and feed on the bottom. Here I use a small ¼-ounce egg sinker, but larger if the current is stronger and a 20-pound test fluorocarbon leader Texas rig style with a 1/0 to a 2/0 circle hook. Trout will tend to feed mid water in the center of the channel, and here I free the line the bait with no sinkers or use a Cajun Thunder float with the bait suspended about 4 feet under it. Cobia and sharks prefer the surface and I use heavier tackle such as 30-pound fluorocarbon leader and 2/0 to 3/0 circle hooks. As the sun rises the fish will tend to migrate to the edges of the channels and eventually to the mouth of the channel and into the flats.

Baits: Live shrimp is considered the favorite, and live greenbacks work well if you can find them.

Artificial Baits: Silly Willy jigs are great for Pompano and Flounder. MirrOlure #52M11, a medium runner bait is a killer on Trout and Jacks. Fathoms jigs worked slow on the bottom will get some nice Snook and Redfish and the old standby D.O.A. shrimp.

Each power plant has its own restrictions on where you are allowed to fish, so follow their rules and you can enjoy some great fishing all winter long.