Coastal Angler Magazine | February 2026 Ft. Myers/ Cape Coral, Charlotte Harbor Edition

FORT MYERS/CAPE CORAL/CHARLOTTE HARBOR EDITION

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FLOUNDER TIPS & TACTICS

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Flounder Fishing 101 CAPT. MIKE SMITH

D

o you want to catch more !ounder? You and baitfish imitations.

The best colors of lures to will need to find an area with current, bait and structure for the !ounder to use for !ounder are any color as long as ambush its prey. it is white. White is by far Where are they? the best color of lure to catch Flounder are very !ounder. Do other colors prevalent in creek mouths, work? Yes, if you want to jetties, sandy points, oyster catch fewer !ounders, then bars, docks and any other use something other than underwater structures. The white. !ounder will take advantage The best lures that I have of the structures to block the found for !ounder are Gulp! current, saving them energy Shrimp and swimming and bringing bait right to mullets on a jig head. Start their gluttonous mouths. small and go bigger if you Flounder are the perfect notice the bait in the area is ambush predator. They large. Having an assortment like to bury in the sand from 3 to 5 inches will adjacent to structures of usually be perfect. some kind facing directly A great second choice into the current. Your lure for a !ounder lure is a white presentations always need bucktail jig. Add a small to come from up current or piece of shrimp to add odor you will spook them. for best results.

What do they eat?

How do you catch a flounder?

Flounder love to eat unsuspecting shrimp and fish brought to them by the current. The Flounder have a very small cone of best lures to catch !ounder are scented shrimp awareness. They are very unlikely to notice and

4 NATIONAL

FEBRUARY 2026

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

chase a lure that is more than 3 or 4 feet away from them.

They also have a very small strike zone. They are very hesitant to rise more than 18 inches o$ of the bottom to eat your lures.

Let’s say you found a beautiful oyster point at the mouth of a creek with plenty of current and bait !owing around it. This scenario is perfect for catching a !ounder.

Cast up current and work the lure on the bottom very slowly in 1 to 3 feet of water. When you think you hooked an oyster, set the hook.

Flounder strikes are subtle and often feel like a hang up.

It is very hard to work your lure too slowly for a !ounder. Old timers will tell you to just drag it on the bottom. I personally like to bounce my lures o$ the bottom being careful to not lift it more than 18 inches into the water column.

Pro Tip: Use braided line and !uorocarbon leaders when fishing for !ounder. Flouro sinks and helps you present your lures more e$ectively on the bottom. Braid doesn’t stretch and will help you feel a !ounder’s very subtle bites.

If you want to become an official !ounder pounder, then follow the tips above and catch more !atties. Go get ‘em!

Capt. Mike Smith, owner of Fish Your Ass Off Charters, is an inshore "shing guide who has been "shing the inshore waters, oyster bars and grass flats of Florida for more than 40 years.

Reach him at (561) 339-2317, email: contact@ "shyourassoff.com or visit "shyourassoff.com.

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In

Sailfish in The Florida Keys

By Astrid deGruchy

S

ailfish are the true showoffs of the Florida Keys.

They’re fast, flashy, and love putting on a performance the second you put a bait in the water. One moment everything’s calm and quiet, and the next your reel is screaming while a sailfish is launching itself out of the ocean like it’s trying to win an Olympic medal.

It’s the kind of chaos anglers live for.

The Keys are famous for having one of the best sailfish bites anywhere, especially from November through April. Cold fronts push schools of ballyhoo and other bait along the reef, and the sailfish stay right on their heels. Spots like Islamorada, Marathon, Key Largo, and Key West all fire off during the season, with most of the action happening along •

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smashed on the surface. And on those calm, clear days after a front, you might even get to sight-cast to tailing sailfish cruising right along the top. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Strong conservation efforts keep sailfish thriving in the Keys, so anglers get to keep making these memories year after year.

Whether you’ve done it before or if your someone trying it for the first time, hooking a sailfish here is unforgettable. It’s fast, wild, beautiful and classic Florida Keys fishing.

that 80 to 200 foot reef edge. Most captains here rely on live-baiting and kite fishing, two methods that make sailfish practically impossible to resist.

There’s nothing like watching a kite bait get

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FWC APPROVES RULE CHANGES FOR GULF LANE SNAPPER

A

t its November meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved rule changes for lane snapper in Florida’s Gulf state waters to be more consistent with current and pending federal regulations.

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These changes are intended to reduce the risk of over!shing, mitigate the likelihood of early closures, and increase consistency between Gulf state and federal waters. The new Gulf lane snapper recreational regulations will go into effect on April 1, 2026.

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4 FLORIDA

FEBRUARY 2026

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Grouper Risotto

That Just Hits By: Jessica Hendrie

T

here is something special about cooking a fish you caught yourself.

Not rushed. Not fancy. Just good food that finishes the day the right way. When the boat is washed down and the rods are put away, the kitchen becomes part of the fishing trip. That is where this grouper risotto comes in. Grouper is a fisherman’s fish. Solid white meat mild flavor and always dependable. It does not need much to be good and that is what makes it perfect for a simple risotto. This is the kind of meal you make barefoot in the kitchen with the smell of salt still on your hands. Start with olive oil and shallots in a pan and let them soften while the house fills with that first good cooking smell. Stir in arborio rice and let it toast just a bit until it turns shiny. Pour in some dry white wine and let it cook down while you grab a cold drink and think about the fish

that got away. From there it is just patience. Warm seafood stock goes in slowly while you stir and let the rice do its thing. It turns creamy without any cream and starts to feel like real comfort food. That is when the fresh grouper goes in. Not too early. You want it to stay tender and flaky not overcooked. Cherry tomatoes add a little sweetness and lemon juice brightens everything up. Finish it off with grated parmesan and fresh herbs and suddenly you have a meal that feels like more than dinner.

It feels earned. This is not about impressing anyone. It is about sitting down tired happy and full after a day on the water. It is about telling the same fishing stories again while the plates get passed around. Cooking your catch is part of the fishing life and this dish proves you do not need much to do it right.

FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | FEBRUARY 2026 | FORT MYERS 1

February’s Opportunities

By: Capt. Bart Marx

F

ishing in Southwest Florida is getting better every week. There has been little rain and that tends to let the water get very clear.

This is a great time to practice your knot tying putting on some new clear and longer leaders than you usually use as this helps so fish don't become leader shy. Sometimes you need to get out some tenpound test line and make it twenty-five feet long. This is very helpful if you are fishing offshore for snapper like mangrove and yellowtail snapper. This time of year, out in the 80' to 100' range on some wrecks or reefs is a great place to start. You may even find an amberjack if you have a live bait out behind the boat while you are bottom fishing/bonus rod and if there are any shrimp boats out there, get to them early in the morning while they are cleaning off the deck of their bycatch. This creates a huge feeding frenzy and at times you may catch some black fin tuna in their chum slick, however, usually plenty of sharks too. In closer to shore 40' to 60' there should be plenty of white grunts for the table. Maybe some porgies, lane snapper and mangrove too. Closer to the beach in 30' to 40' of water sheepshead will still be biting as they are in spawn mode. Moving inshore, you will find sheepshead around the docks and oyster bars where there are plenty of crustations to feed on. Trout and reds along the mangroves will be scattered on the grass flats on the edges of the sand holes, and along the edges of the sand bars there may be some pompano cruising along looking for something to eat like a shrimp or a small jig. In some of the deep holes you may find a cobia feeding on lady fish or small baits. There are plenty of species to hunt for this month to catch a fresh fish meal. If you would like to come along with Capt. Bart Marx, call or e-mail me at captbart@alphaomegacharters.com or you can call 941-979-6517. I also do private charters up to four anglers on my boat for half days only. And if you are new to our area and would like a Training Session with Capt. Bart on your boat using your gear will shorten your learning curve. For me this helps protect our fragile grass flats and keeps you from damaging your boat, making it a win-win training session for all!

Alpha Omega Charters | alphaomegacharters.com captbart@alphaomegacharters.com | 941-979-6517 2 FORT MYERS | FEBRUARY 2026 | @COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFM

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FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | FEBRUARY 2026 | FORT MYERS 3

15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY I

t’s been a ‘Great Run’ meeting lots of people and making new fishing friends. I have been fortunate to have several successful businesses over the years prior to settling in Southwest Florida to become a fishing guide. Every business that I owned and worked was affiliated in some regard or other with opportunities to fish ‘World Wide’. My only regret is that I never began my career in the fishing industry until later in life. I graduated from N. E. Missouri State College the same time that Johnny Morris of Bass Pro Shops did in 1973. He took over his father’s business in Springfield, Missouri while I chose to pursue the automobile industry, which subsequently offered lots of fishing opportunities throughout the world by winning trips from vehicle sales sponsored by the automobile and truck manufacturers.

Later, those affiliations afforded me an ‘Avenue’ to build a small hotel in the Cayman Islands giving me the opportunity to fish frequently and become an owner in Scuba Diving businesses in the Caribbean and Central America, along with my friend and former business partner, Captain Wayne Hasson (Deceased) of Aggressor Fleet International.

This affiliation catapulted me to destinations around the ‘Globe’ accompanying Wayne at a variety of destinations for diving and fishing.

Like most everyone else, I have my regrets, made many mistakes, but too few to mention. None of my negative experiences have overshadowed my opportunities and successes in any venture or adventure. However, I have never been more satisfied from any of my other ventures than that of the last 15 years, as a Charter Captain and fishing guide.

I grew up in the small town of Hannibal, Missouri (Mark Twain, Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn) on the Mississippi River front. I fished many of the river’s tributaries, the ponds and lakes nearby. Nonetheless, the seas and the oceans were always the goal and ‘Big Time’ to me. I enjoy teaching and showing people how, when and where to catch lots of fish and possibly a ‘Fish of a Lifetime’.

I’ve fished with some of the best fishermen (at times hiring a guide) at virtually every destination, including here in Southwest Florida, the Florida Keys, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans to learn successful fishing methods, and techniques.

I suggest that anyone wanting to learn to be a good fisherman or ‘fisherlady’ do the same. One day on the water with a good fishing guide will cut your learning curve by years as well as long term costs trying to learn and fail on your own.

I have been affiliated with the Marine Industries of SW Florida for 14 years giving fishing seminars at the Ft. Myers and Bonita Boat Shows. I write frequent fishing reports for their website; www.goboatingflorida. com and for 14 years have consistently written monthly fishing reports for publications including Coastal Angler Magazine for over 8 years now.

Through all of this, I have been supported by the 1st Mate Vicki (my wife) and over the last 10 years my 2nd Mate, Moby Dick (Chocolate Lab) frequently accompanying me to the Marina and the Florida Keys. They both love fish and fishing. Some of my clients, friends and neighbors joined Moby last October at our house with gifts and treats to celebrate his 10th Birthday as 2nd Mate as he is recognized as the ‘heart and soul’ of the operation by many. At the ‘End of the Day’; this career has been the most self-rewarding and fulfilling career that I have had giving my all to people for a good time on the water learning and catching fish.

INSHORE FISHING REPORT February is sheepshead month and should be around the rocks, seawalls, mangroves and docks. They are ‘rumored’ to be difficult to catch and clean, but they are a blast to catch and great to eat. Contrary to the above stated ‘rumor’; they are not difficult to catch when the ‘bite is on’, meaning that no fish bites aggressively 24/7. When these fish go into their feeding ‘mode’ they are quite easy to catch, as some will catch themselves. Anglers targeting these fish need only to realize that it is during the feeding phase, that they become aggressive and easier to hook. Like other species, these are ‘schooling’ fish. However, when the small fish are biting your hook, the larger Sheepshead are on ‘break’ and will seem to disappear.

Recognizing a sheepshead bite from another species is key to understanding how and when to set the hook. Hard hits and redundant ‘nibbles’ are most likely mangrove snappers or pinfish. When the mangrove snappers are biting, odds are the sheepsheads are not eating or have relocated to another location until time for them to eat. ‘Light’ tugs or gentle pulls are sheepshead. They will pick up the bait and swim away with the bait to the left or to the right of the initial presentation.

This is the time to ‘set’ the hook.

My baits of choice are fiddler crabs or shrimps. I use more shrimps than crabs as they are easier to find at the bait stores and easier to put on the hooks. I buy extra shrimp so as to chop some up and ‘chum’ under the docks or around the areas I fish. Use light tackle with a small #1 or #2 bait hook on a 30lb. leader. Place a light pinch weight about 6” above the hook to help with casting and to keep the bait on the seabed. This technique will yield lots of nice fish once you locate them.

This is Captain Terry Fisher with Fish Face Charters, LLC. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com. Email me at fishfacecharters@ yahoo.com to book a charter or call me direct at 239-357-6829. I am available on your vessel (by the hour) as Captain for Hire to assist with navigation, fishing techniques and fishing locations.

4 FORT MYERS | FEBRUARY 2026 | @COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFM

Fish Face Charters | fishfacecharters.com | 239-357-6829

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www.BonitaSpringsBoatShow.com FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | FEBRUARY 2026 | FORT MYERS 5

Waiting for

Snook

By: Alex Baumann

W

ell fellow anglers we are coming into February with great uncertainty. This year we have had a roller coaster of weather. We have had a way above normal winter, with warm temps. Then mother nature throws us some cold fronts that sends the water temps much cooler.

This can be some of the toughest conditions to fish, for the most part the fish don't know where they want to be. During the warmer days, they want to move up shallow. During the past front days, they want to move to deeper waters. This can make fishing pretty tough to stay on a bite.

I recommend paying attention to your water temps. If the water is cooler in the morning, say below 65 the fish will be deeper. So, you should start in deeper water and work your way to shallow waters. If we have been expe-

riencing warming than normal temps, say the water is 67 or higher? It's a good chance the fish that moved into shallow water will still be there. The hardest part about finding and staying on feeding fish this time of year, is following water temps. A solid weather pattern makes thing much easier to pattern. However sometimes Mother Nature, does not give us easy, there's times when we have to change things up and look around. The biggest piece of advice I can offer is to always think outside the box. Don't be afraid to try something new. Keep an eye on the water temps, and Mother Nature will help you to find feeding fish.

Alex Baumann specializes in fly fishing in the area. You can reach him directly at 704-999-0571.

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fishfacecharters@ yahoo.com 239.357.6829

MATLACHA

www.USHarbors.com

February/2026 • 26°38’N 82°4’W

Matlacha Pass, FL - Feb 2026 High

Date

3771 Palm Beach Blvd., Ft. Myers, FL 33916 239.694.2185

FORT MYERS

www.USHarbors.com

February/2026 • 26°39’N 81°52’W

Fort Myers, FL - Feb 2026

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7:30

-0.5

7:06

6:17

12

Thu

9:15

1.2

6:10

-0.4

7:06

6:18

12

Thu

2:52

0.2

8:19

-0.6

4:59

0.2

7:05

6:17

13

Fri

2:07

0.7

7:00

-0.5

4:46

0.7

7:05

6:19

13

Fri

3:17

0.3

8:59

-0.6

6:26

0.2

7:04

6:18

14

Sat

2:17

0.8

7:38

-0.5

6:03

0.7

7:04

6:20

14

Sat

12:29

0.8

3:40

0.4

9:34

-0.6

7:35

0.2

7:03

6:19

15

Sun

2:30

0.8

8:11

-0.5

6:51

0.6

7:03

6:20

15

Sun

1:31

0.9

4:00

0.5

10:04

-0.5

8:30

0.1

7:03

6:19

16

Mon

12:37

1.5

2:44

0.9

8:41

-0.4

7:37

0.4

7:03

6:21

16

Mon

2:25

0.9

4:19

0.5

10:30

-0.4

9:19

0.0

7:02

6:20

17

Tue

1:20

1.6

3:00

1.0

9:10

-0.3

8:27

0.3

7:02

6:22

17

Tue

3:13

1.0

4:36

0.6

10:52

-0.4

10:04

-0.1

7:01

6:21

18

Wed

2:06

1.6

3:17

1.1

9:36

-0.2

9:19

0.1

7:01

6:22

18

Wed

3:58

1.0

4:54

0.6

11:11

-0.3

10:49

-0.1

7:00

6:21

19

Thu

2:55

1.5

3:35

1.2

10:01

-0.1

10:11

-0.1

7:00

6:23

19

Thu

4:42

0.9

5:14

0.7

11:30

-0.2

11:38

-0.2

6:59

6:22

20

Fri

3:49

1.4

3:55

1.4

10:25

0.0

11:02

-0.3

6:59

6:24

20

Fri

5:28

0.8

5:37

0.9

11:47

-0.2

6:59

6:23

21

Sat

4:46

1.2

4:18

1.5

10:45

0.2

11:58

-0.4

6:58

6:24

21

Sat

6:18

0.6

6:07

1.0

12:32

-0.3

12:05

-0.1

6:58

6:23

22

Sun

5:55

0.9

4:47

1.6

11:02

0.3

6:58

6:25

22

Sun

7:19

0.3

6:42

1.1

1:37

-0.3

12:21

-0.1

6:57

6:24

23

Mon

7:33

0.7

5:22

1.6

1:07

-0.4

6:57

6:25

23

Mon

8:46

0.1

7:24

1.1

2:59

-0.3

12:34

0.0

6:56

6:25

24

Tue

6:09

1.6

2:28

-0.4

6:56

6:26

24

Tue

8:15

1.1

4:50

-0.4

6:55

6:25

25

Wed

7:26

1.5

3:53

-0.5

6:55

6:27

25

Wed

9:24

1.0

6:39

-0.5

6:54

6:26

26

Thu

9:19

1.5

5:18

-0.6

6:54

6:27

26

Thu

10:55

1.0

7:44

-0.5

6:53

6:26

27

Fri

10:52

1.6

6:22

-0.6

6:53

6:28

27

Fri

2:45

0.3

8:32

-0.5

5:51

0.2

6:52

6:27

28

Sat

1:57

0.8

7:08

-0.6

6:52

6:28

28

Sat

3:03

0.5

9:11

-0.5

7:19

0.2

6:51

6:28

11:15

6:02

0.5

0.6

8 FORT MYERS | FEBRUARY 2026 | @COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFM

12:25

0.9

Moon

10871 Kelly Rd Ft Myers, FL 33908 239.267.6857

SANIBEL/ CAPTIVA

www.USHarbors.com

February/2026 • 26°29’N 82°11’W

Captiva Island (outside), FL - Feb 2026 High

Date

AM

ft

PUNTA GORDA/ CHARLOTTE HABOR

7141 Gasparilla Rd. Port Charlotte, FL 33981 941.698.9902 www.USHarbors.com

February/2026 • 26°56’N 82°4’W

Punta Gorda, Charlotte Harbor, FL - Feb 2026

Low

High

Date

PM

ft

AM

ft

PM

ft

Rise

Set

Moon

12:39

1.5

5:49

-0.8

5:23

0.7

7:13

6:11

1

Low

AM

ft

PM

ft

AM

ft

PM

ft

Rise

Set

Sun

1:23

1.9

4:52

0.9

9:45

-0.7

8:32

0.8

7:13

6:10

1

Sun

2

Mon

1:10

1.6

6:29

-0.7

6:12

0.6

7:12

6:12

2

Mon

2:17

1.8

4:58

0.9

10:20

-0.6

9:29

0.6

7:12

6:11

3

Tue

12:06

2.2

1:40

1.6

7:08

-0.4

7:03

0.4

7:12

6:12

3

Tue

3:09

1.7

5:06

1.0

10:50

-0.4

10:22

0.4

7:12

6:11

4

Wed

12:57

2.0

2:05

1.7

7:43

-0.2

7:52

0.3

7:11

6:13

4

Wed

3:59

1.5

5:16

1.1

11:18

-0.2

11:13

0.3

7:11

6:12

5

Thu

1:50

1.8

2:25

1.7

8:14

0.1

8:39

0.2

7:11

6:14

5

Thu

4:49

1.3

5:33

1.2

11:43

0.0

7:11

6:13

6

Fri

2:42

1.6

2:42

1.7

8:42

0.4

9:27

0.2

7:10

6:15

6

Fri

5:42

1.1

5:55

1.3

12:06

0.1

12:05

0.1

7:10

6:14

7

Sat

3:37

1.3

3:01

1.7

9:02

0.7

10:27

0.2

7:09

6:15

7

Sat

6:40

0.9

6:21

1.4

1:02

0.0

12:21

0.3

7:09

6:14

8

Sun

5:14

1.1

3:27

1.7

9:08

0.8

11:44

0.1

7:09

6:16

8

Sun

7:53

0.7

6:51

1.4

2:04

-0.1

12:23

0.5

7:09

6:15

9

Mon

4:04

1.7

7:08

6:17

9

Mon

7:28

1.4

3:17

-0.1

7:08

6:16

10

Tue

5:06

1.7

12:53

0.0

7:07

6:17

10

Tue

8:16

1.4

4:40

-0.2

7:07

6:16

11

Wed

6:28

1.7

1:56

-0.1

7:07

6:18

11

Wed

9:25

1.4

6:02

-0.3

7:07

6:17

12

Thu

11:06

1.2

7:41

1.8

2:57

-0.2

1:57

1.1

7:06

6:19

12

Thu

10:43

1.5

7:06

-0.4

7:06

6:18

13

Fri

11:15

1.3

8:52

1.9

3:49

-0.3

3:00

1.1

7:05

6:20

13

Fri

11:51

1.5

7:55

-0.5

7:05

6:19

14

Sat

11:34

1.4

9:45

2.1

4:30

-0.4

3:52

1.0

7:04

6:20

14

Sat

3:55

1.0

8:32

-0.5

7:06

0.9

7:05

6:19

15

Sun

11:55

1.4

10:26

2.2

5:05

-0.5

4:34

0.8

7:04

6:21

15

Sun

12:45

1.6

3:58

1.0

9:04

-0.5

7:55

0.8

7:04

6:20

16

Mon

12:14

1.5

5:38

-0.4

5:13

0.7

7:03

6:22

16

Mon

1:32

1.7

4:04

1.0

9:32

-0.4

8:40

0.6

7:03

6:21

17

Tue

12:31

1.6

6:10

-0.3

5:53

0.5

7:02

6:22

17

Tue

2:16

1.7

4:09

1.0

9:59

-0.4

9:25

0.4

7:02

6:21

18

Wed

12:46

1.7

6:42

-0.2

6:36

0.3

7:01

6:23

18

Wed

3:00

1.6

4:18

1.1

10:24

-0.2

10:10

0.3

7:01

6:22

19

Thu

12:29

2.1

1:03

1.8

7:12

0.0

7:24

0.1

7:01

6:23

19

Thu

3:47

1.5

4:33

1.3

10:49

-0.1

10:58

0.1

7:00

6:23

20

Fri

1:23

1.9

1:26

1.9

7:40

0.3

8:13

-0.1

7:00

6:24

20

Fri

4:38

1.3

4:55

1.4

11:11

0.1

11:50

-0.1

7:00

6:23

21

Sat

2:22

1.6

1:55

2.0

8:03

0.5

9:05

-0.2

6:59

6:25

21

Sat

5:33

1.1

5:21

1.5

11:29

0.3

6:59

6:24

22

Sun

3:27

1.4

2:29

2.1

8:22

0.8

10:11

-0.2

6:58

6:25

22

Sun

6:37

0.9

5:51

1.6

12:48

-0.2

11:39

0.4

6:58

6:25

23

Mon

5:24

1.1

3:10

2.1

8:37

1.0

11:38

-0.3

6:57

6:26

23

Mon

8:08

0.6

6:28

1.7

1:57

-0.3

11:28

0.6

6:57

6:25

24

Tue

4:04

2.1

6:56

6:27

24

Tue

7:16

1.7

3:18

-0.4

6:56

6:26

25

Wed

5:27

2.1

12:57

-0.4

6:55

6:27

25

Wed

8:25

1.7

4:48

-0.4

6:55

6:26

26

Thu

10:40

1.3

7:03

2.1

2:06

-0.5

1:16

1.3

6:54

6:28

26

Thu

9:59

1.6

6:13

-0.5

6:54

6:27

27

Fri

10:45

1.4

8:35

2.2

3:12

-0.5

2:33

1.1

6:53

6:28

27

Fri

11:30

1.7

7:18

-0.6

6:53

6:28

28

Sat

11:05

1.5

9:47

2.3

4:05

-0.5

3:40

0.9

6:52

6:29

28

Sat

3:27

1.0

8:06

-0.6

6:52

6:28

6:57

0.9

Moon

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S LARGEST CONTINENTAL BOAT TRAILER DEALER

7141 GASPARILLA RD. PORT CHARLOTTE, FL 33981

941.698.9902

WWW.WESTCOASTTRAILER.COM FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | FEBRUARY 2026 | FORT MYERS 9

A FEW TIPS

By: Caitlyn Gatrell

I

t’s a new year and temperatures will be warming up soon, meaning great fishing opportunities are right around the corner. When spring fishing kicks off in Southwest Florida, lots of species are frolicking about and on the search for prey. From the backwaters, to the mangrove islands, to nearshore points. Here are a few of my tips on how to make your 2026 fishing year full of fun in SW Florida.

Fish Populated Habitats for Incoming Fish As we’re nearing the end of winter and spring is soon to come, popular species like snook, redfish, and even tarpon will start making their way into local waters soon. These fish are migrating, feeding aggressively, and some even getting ready to spawn, so they are fired up and ready to strike at presenting bait.

Focus on populated habitats where fishing results will be productive, such as oyster beds, mangrove lines, drop offs and deep cuts, flats, passes, estuaries, and river mouths. Zones with moving water and strong currents are exceptional spots as fish often sit there awaiting prey to flow by.

Load Up on Bait Having the right bait can make a difference in your fishing trips. If you want to go artificial, use lures like top waters, jigs, soft plastics, flukes, and imitation baits. Live bait is often the go-to, with popular options like mullet, pilchards, crab, pinfish, and shrimp being amongst the top in Southwest Florida.

Ideally you want bait that looks lively, realistic, and catches the attention of nearby predators. Flashy, noisy, colorful bait can capture attention in murky waters while more natural looking baits are best in clearer water.

Head Out During Peak Fishing Times Timing can make all the difference. Heading out during cooler dawn and dusk hours often provides peak fishing activity when fish are most active.

But fishing can still be successfully done mid-day! You’d be surprised.

Sometimes fish will bite during times you wouldn't suspect. For example, I’ve caught big fish like tarpon during hot hours mid-day!

Also, try to plan your trips around incoming tides or high low tides to ensure good water levels and current flows. Moon phases like full and new moons can affect fish behavior and feeding habits as well. Each species can have a different approach so it’s best to research more specifically if you have a targeted species.

Explore Seasonal Opportunities As you’ve heard, spring fishing is pretty popping in the waters of Southwest Florida. But summer follows after and provides even more productivity. Fall then brings out large Redfish and yummy Seatrout you can take home. And winter doesn’t put an end to the fun either. It may not be as hot, but you can definitely still hook up to some nice fish and enjoy a day on the water.

With a little research and planning, you can have a great time fishing the Southwest Florida waters all of 2026. Tight lines to all!

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FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | FEBRUARY 2026 | FORT MYERS 11

Kayak Fishing

by: Dan Carns

huck and Pat Downs of Walk the Dog Charters and the Fish Talk series are pleased to announce the 5th Annual PICC 2026 Free Fishing Seminar Series. These free fishing seminars are to be held every Saturday for the entire month of February 2026. New this year there is also an additional Woman Angler series on the first Saturday in March!

The Fish Talk series is a monthly meeting graciously held at the Pine Island Community Church (PICC). Due to the popularity of the winter fishing seminars we are moving to a larger venue while continuing to support the church and their amazing community outreach and mission. The owners of the Eagles Nest restaurant,

Tami Sagar and Yovan Santiestebanaare, have generously offered the seminars series a larger, more visible (to the public) location on Stingfellow Rd. This is an exciting opportunity as we will have to ability to show case Beavertail Skiffs fishing kayaks with ample room for information tables as well as hands on demonstration areas.

Of course, these seminars are focused on catching fish! We have an excellent selection of Captains, Guides, and industry leaders lined up to share what techniques, lures, rods and reels and fishing line that works for them and well as experts in backwater, offshore, nearshore, freshwater and kayak fishing. We are primarily focusing each seminar on catching the three main fish species, snook, redfish and spotted sea trout as well as offshore fish but as these discussions are always participant driven, we will address all the various species brought to us. There will also be presentations on typical baits, how to catch and store bait, appropriate hooks and artificial lures.

Each seminar will feature 2 hours of presentation, followed by another hour for question and answers or demonstrations. Every seminar will have door prizes, including the chance to win free guided fishing trips!

These free fishing feminars are only possible through the generous donations of the following people and companies as well as additional sponsors as we continue to receive support from the local community.

Eagles Nest Restaurant and Bar, Beavertail Skiffs, Pine Island Bait and Tackle, Lehr’s Economy Tackle, Get Perk’d, Schuman Insurance, Richard Cabral, Paul Baymore, Marion Horgan, Kent Kolegue, Fishin-dips Kayak, Gulf Coast Kayak, Walk the Dog Charters and Freedom Waters Foundation.

This year features a Woman Angler seminar, March 7th, presented by well known Captain and guide Debbie Hanson and co-presenter Gabriella MaGrath. Debbie is also the Coordinator for the Freedom Waters Foundation and will include its mission and purpose during her presentation. This seminar will focus on beginner tactics for fresh and saltwater followed by Q&A and knot tying.

Any and all contributions from our donation buckets will entirely benefit the Pine Island Community Church and their PICC Food Pantry and HUGS Free Lunch Programs.

Where: Eagles Nest Restaurant, 10880 Stringfellow Rd, Bokeelia, FL. When: February 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th and March 7th.

Time: 8:30-10:30am followed by demos and hands on Q&A. Please bring a chair and enjoy any or all of these free seminars!

It’s A Wild World- Get Out There! @paddlinandfishin Dan Carns

C

@paddlinandfishin | gulfcoastkayak.com | 239-283-1125 12 FORT MYERS | FEBRUARY 2026 | @COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFM

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Roller Coaster Weather By: Capt. Dave Stephens

W

ell fellow anglers we are coming into February with great uncertainty. This year we have had a roller coaster of weather. We have had a way above normal winter, with warm temps. Then mother nature throws us some cold fronts that sends the water temps much cooler.

This can be some of the toughest conditions to fish, for the most part the fish don't know where they want to be. During the warmer days, they want to move up shallow. During the post front days, they want to move to deeper waters. This can make fishing pretty tough to stay on a bite.

I recommend paying attention to your water temps. If the water is cooler in the morning, say below 65 the fish will be deeper. So, you should start in deeper water and work your way to shallow waters. If we have been expe-

riencing warming than normal temps, say the water is 67 or higher? It's a good chance the fish that moved into shallow water will still be there. The hardest part about finding and staying on feeding fish this time of year, is following water temps. A solid weather pattern makes thing much easier to pattern. However sometimes Mother Nature, does not give us easy, there's times when we have to change things up and look around. The biggest piece of advice I can offer is to always think outside the box. Don't be afraid to try something new.

Keep an eye on the water temps, and Mother Nature will help you to find feeding fish.

14 FORT MYERS | FEBRUARY 2026 | @COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFM

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r on

e d group nice re nter. ’s n a g Hu Lo the Hog

Amy Horecky’s Pineland backcountry tarpon on 10# braid and soft plastic!

John and Theresa Sbrana caught these nice snook in Blind Pass!

d nice re all w/ a ff Ft. Myers m s x O Mike water o 105’ of as day. r, e p u o gr Christm

Redfish on pad going in Ester dlet oB Peters ail baits, Geo ay r Bonita Springs ge .

Brody Nitsche with a little tarpon action from shore.

Let us Show off Your Catch Next Month!

Raquel Spin having some fun with sheepshead.

Photos submitted Courtesy of Coastal Angler Readers and Contributing Writers Submit pics to: camswfl@gmail.com or text to 239.595.8265

HIGHS&LOWS

for 90 days or below 11.5 feet for 60 days. !e lower lake level is needed for sunlight to reach the lake bottom and new submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) to sprout.

Lake Okeechobee level was 12.08 on April 13, 2025, which was 2.82 feet lower than a year ago. By April 15th, the lake fell below 12 feet above sea level.

At the June 5 meeting of the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Governing Board, scientists were hopeful the lake low would stay below 12 feet for the full 90-day target. If the water rises faster than the plants can grow, new plants could be damaged or lost.

By Don Norton !en, by June 22, 2025, the official Lake Okeechobee elevation was 10.99 feet.

Last year, on the same day, the lake was at 13.37 feet. And the year before that? A whopping 14.33! Even the historical average for that time of year (1965-2007) was 13.24 feet. !at meant we were sitting about 2.25 feet below average.

What did that mean for you, the angler? Well, lower water levels can concentrate the fish, making them easier to find…sometimes. But even more importantly, you have to be extra careful navigating those shallower areas.

I don’t normally fish Lake Okeechobee, but thanks to Capt. Robin Clegg and his late summer YouTube videos, I ventured down to the “Big O” a couple of times and had a great time catching bass.

Launching at C. Scott Driver Park, I took Capt. Clegg’s advice and made the short trip to King’s Bar, and for the next couple of hours, caught bass after bass on a wide variety of lures. !e key was to be there at first light! !e water was still pretty low, but as long as you fished the outside reeds, there was plenty of water (and bass).

Capt. Clegg, by the way, works out of Garrard’s Bait and Tackle, located at 4375 US Highway 441 in Okeechobee, just a couple of miles from the boat ramps.

As I write this article in mid-January, the water level is back up to 13.3’ thanks to all the rain we’ve received, the new plants are doing well—and the or years, underwater vegetation in Lake Okeechobee has been fishing is still excellent! disappearing, but now it’s making a comeback!

Don Norton is Co-Publisher of Coastal Angler Magazine’s Okeechobee Last December, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers started a “recovery” edition. Contact him at (863) 273-4998 or don@theanglermagazine.com. schedule for Lake Okeechobee, with the goal of getting the lake below 12 feet

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FEBRUARY 2026

FLORIDA 5

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

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PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES®

F

ebruary might not get the hype of spring break or summer tides, but proficient coastal anglers know a secret: some of the best fishing of the year happens when the crowds are gone, the water is cold, and the fish are predictable.

Winter has settled in by February. Water temperatures hover in the upper 40s to low 50s, especially after a strong north wind. !at cold pushes bait and gamefish into tighter zones, turning miles of water into a handful of high-percentage spots. If you can find warmth, you can find fish.

Speckled trout are the headline act this time of year. Big trout in particular prefer slow, easy meals in cold water, which is why February is prime time for trophy hunters. Deep guts, channels and drop-offs near shallow flats are key. Trout slide shallow during the afternoon when the sun warms mud or dark grass, then fall back into deeper water when temperatures drop.

Slow presentations rule. Soft plastics on light jig heads, suspending twitch baits, and soft jerk shads worked slowly can trigger reaction strikes.

Make sure you know the gear ratio of your reel. You may think you are moving slowly, but if the reel is taking up a lot of line, you may be off target.

Cold-water trout won’t chase far, but they will inhale an easy meal.

Redfish remain a dependable target throughout February. While they may not school as aggressively as in the fall, reds still prowl shorelines, back lakes, and marsh drains—especially on sunny days. Look for black mud bottoms that warm faster and concentrate bait.

Sight-casting opportunities can be outstanding on calm, clear days. Reds cruising skinny water are often willing biters, even in cold conditions. Gold spoons, paddletails, and weedless soft plastics shine here, particularly when worked steadily along shorelines.

February fishing success is less about the tide chart and more about the thermometer. Midday is prime time. Early mornings can be brutally slow after a cold night, but a few hours of sunshine can flip the switch fast. Pay attention to warming trends—two or three stable days can dramatically improve the bite.

Wind plays a major role this month as well. Strong north winds drain water out of bays and expose structure, which can help you locate fish holding in remaining deeper pockets. On calmer days, expect clearer water and more finicky fish.

February rewards patience, observation and confidence. It’s not about covering water—it’s about fishing smart, fishing slow, and being ready when that unmistakable thump signals a wintertime strike worth remembering.

As I write this article in January, it is near 80 degrees. With that said, if February feels like an early spring, follow your spring fishing guidelines. !e fish don’t have a calendar.

S

Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures,® and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

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he recreational harvest of snook in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Northeast, Indian River Lagoon and Southeast management regions will open February 1 and remains open through May 31.

During snook season, anglers may keep one snook per person per day that is not less than 28 or more than 32 inches in total length, which is measured from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed while the fish is lying on its side. Other regulations include: • No commercial harvest or sale of snook is permitted • Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore • When on a for-hire trip, captain and crew may not retain a bag limit • Allowable Gear: Hook and line only • License Requirements: Snook permit and recreational fishing license !e harvest of snook in all of Florida’s Gulf of Mexico state waters, including Everglades National Park and all of Monroe County, remains closed until March 1. Anglers may catch and release snook during the closed season, but the FWC encourages anglers to handle and release these fish carefully to help ensure their survival upon release. Proper handling methods can help ensure the species’ abundance for anglers today and generations to come. To learn more about fish handling, visit https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/ outreach/fish-handling/.

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In Ketchikan, Alaska

By Capt. Lukas Brickweg

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f you’ve ever dreamed about catching halibut and cod in the wilderness of Alaska - rod bent, line screaming, and majestic wildlife abound – now is the time to turn that dream into reality. Every season in Ketchikan, Alaska, May marks the kicko! to world-class halibut and Pacific cod fishing, and we are ready to put you on the fish of a lifetime.

May Is Extraordinary!

May is a special month in Southeast Alaska. The long daylight hours return, the ocean comes alive, and the early-season halibut move onto nearshore waters to feed.

Halibut gather on the underwater ledges, humps, and sandy $ats, areas that we know like the backs of our hands, ranging from 200-400 feet.

At the same time, hungry Pacific cod patrol the same bottom structure, adding an action-packed bonus to every trip. “Alaska cod fishing chaos” is the best way to describe

this seasonal bite. There are no limits on retaining Pacific cod, allowing anglers to bring home huge hauls of cod and halibut.

This means you can often pull up a mixed bag of halibut, cod, and rockfish - making for one of the most productive and delicious fishing experiences anywhere in the world.

Reeling up cod and halibut until your arms give out is a good way to summarize Alaska bottom fishing in May. May trips tend to fill quickly because the reputation for aggressive fish and minimum fishing pressure. This combination equates to an anglers dream scenario. Whether you’re $ying in for our three to four day allinclusive lodging/fishing packages or on a cruise, it’s best to start planning and booking early. Ketchikan provides convenient $ights, accommodating guests from all over the US. Our all-inclusive packages provide airport transfer, lodging, meals, fishing and fish processing.

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Book your "Bucket List" trip to Alaska with Capt. Lukas Brickweg, of Ketchikan’s Finest Fishing Charters, at ketchikanfishingtrips.com, call (907) 617-4717 or email ketchikanfishingtrips@gmail.com.

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BRAVING THE COLD FOR BIG WINTER STRIPERS

hether in saltwater or freshwater, excellent striper fishing awaits anglers hearty enough to brave winter conditions. So layer up, zip into that parka, and go—some of the biggest fish of the year are feeding right now.

At the southern end of their fall migration, striped bass spend the winter o! the coast of North Carolina. They follow schools of bait up and down the shoreline from Wilmington to the Outer Banks, feeding heavily along the way. In many years, Oregon Inlet becomes the epicenter of the action, though stripers can be found in most inlets throughout the region.

The key is to follow the birds, which often reveal bass blowing up on menhaden, glass minnows, or eels. At times the action pushes close enough to shore that surfcasters can hook stripers right from the beaches of the Outer Banks. More often, however, the best approach is hiring a local captain armed with recent intel and a fast boat.

Farther south, Wilmington provides another winter opportunity as striped bass stack up in the Cape Fear River. These fish hold near structure, dropo!s, and creek mouths, and can be caught on artificials—or even on $ies. This resident population is separate from the highly migratory fish wintering o! the Outer Banks. Cape Fear stripers are strictly catch-and-release and must be returned to the water immediately, so keep an eye out for tagged fish.

Meanwhile, freshwater reservoirs across the Southern states and into the Mid-Atlantic also produce solid winter striper fishing. While smaller, schoolie-sized fish can become sluggish during the coldest periods, larger stripers continue to feed. The pace may not match summertime downline action over massive schools, but the fish that do bite are often bigger.

Tactics vary by fishery, but when water temperatures stabilize—or during a multi-day warming trend—the largest fish in the lake often push shallow, sometimes surprisingly so, as they shadow schools of small shad. Find the $ickering bait, and you’ll find the stripers. You may even see them picking o! prey near the surface. Stealth is critical in these situations, and soft plastics like Flukes frequently outproduce live bait. They’re easier to cast and allow for a slow, controlled retrieve.

Another e!ective approach is covering water by trolling wide spreads of small live baits, pulling umbrella rigs loaded with swimbaits, or combining both methods. When fishing this way, good local information is invaluable.

On some lakes, stripers spend the winter near the dam; on others, they push far up into the creeks.

Winter may test an angler’s resolve, but for those willing to endure the cold, striper fishing can be at its best. From coastal inlets and rivers to inland reservoirs, striped bass remain active and accessible, often with less pressure and a better chance at trophy-sized fish. Success comes down to preparation, paying attention to bait and bird activity, and adapting tactics to changing conditions. Bundle up, do your homework, and embrace the season—the reward could be the biggest striper of your year.

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OVER 100 ANGLERS TO COMPETE IN 2026 BASSMASTER ELITE SERIES C

oming o! the heels of a record-breaking 2025 season that awarded 11 century belts, saw four-first time champions (two of which were members of the 2025 rookie class) and garnered over 183 million social media impressions, B.A.S.S. has announced the 101-angler field for an exciting 2026 Elite Series season.

This year, anglers will be put to the test with the use of forward-facing sonar only being allowed at five of the nine regular-season Elite events. Anglers will be competing for a $100,000 first-place prize at each stop of the season, while also accumulating valuable Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year points in hopes of making it to the 2027 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.

“Each season, the Bassmaster Elite Series showcases the very best in professional bass fishing, and 2026 will be no exception,” said B.A.S.S. Elite Series Tournament Director Lisa Talmadge. “We’re excited to welcome 101 incredibly talented anglers who represent the heart of this sport—a mix of proven champions, rising stars and hungry newcomers all ready to compete on some of the most iconic fisheries in the country. It’s going to be an unforgettable season for our anglers and fans alike.”

With the exception of one angler, every 2025 Elite Series angler who qualified is returning next year. The list of anglers includes 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic champion Easton Fothergill of Grand Rapids, Minn., who won the most coveted trophy in bass fishing during his freshman season on the Elites. Two-time Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year Chris Johnston will also join the ranks of returning anglers alongside Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Rookie of the Year Tucker Smith, who took home his first blue trophy at the 2025 Bassmaster Elite at Lake Fork with a 127-pound, 8-ounce winning weight that also earned him a century belt.

Ten anglers from the Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers will also be joining the 2026 Elite roster, including 20-year-old Alabama phenom Fisher Anaya who claimed the 2025 Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Angler of the Year title. Wisconsin’s Nick Trim clinched an Elite Series spot for himself alongside his big win at the 2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship at Upper Mississippi River presented by Lowrance.

The 2026 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series kicks o! on Alabama’s Lake Guntersville February 5. From there the tournament trail will wind through six states as anglers battle for cash prizes and attempt to qualify for the 2027 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.

Each tournament will begin with the full field of anglers on Days 1 and 2 before the field is cut to the Top 50 on Semifinal Saturday. Only the Top 10 anglers will fish the final day of the event, with a $100,000 firstplace prize and a blue trophy on the line.

For the complete roster, and to keep up with all the action from the 2026 Elite Series season visit Bassmaster.com.

8 NATIONAL

FEBRUARY 2026

February Cold Water Offshore: Wahoo TIM BAREFOOT

T

his is the time of year to find the wall of warmer water and get the wahoo bite going. All of the water nearshore is cold and where the 68- plusdegree water meets that cold water can be an excellent spot for targeting wahoo. This is a great time of year to target wahoo during the first hour or two of your trip using high speed trolling. You can cover a lot of ground high speed trolling, which specifically targets wahoo. Once the sun has been up for a few hours your chances at a wahoo bite diminish unless it’s an overcast or rainy day. Wahoo regulate the amount of sun they take in by going deeper as the sun rises, so midmorning is a good time to change tactics.

Slow drifts, kite fishing and jigging the column with live baits is a great mid-morning tactic and the bigger the bait the better.

There’s no telling what you’ll raise during these colder days fishing the temperature change. Never count out deep dropping near these temperature change areas either. Fishing the entire water column from the surface to the bottom turns a cold day into a cooler full of fish and some awesome dinners.

Learn more from Tim Barefoot at barefootcatsandtackle.com.

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