Unusally warm February

Well this February will be one to remember! This year the temeratures have been on the average 10 - 15 degrees warmer than the ordinary. In a way it made things tough at times, the fish did not know where they should be. The warmer water made sight fishing a little tougher, alot of fish were hanging off the shorlines towards the center of the coves. Don't get me wrong,I had numerous fine days with alot of great red fish and snook caught in mere inches of water, yet it took some extra work to find the fish. Wind was out of the south more than the north creating alot of dingy water, compared to the cooler plankton free gin clear water we are used to this time of year. On the flip side, the warmer water made fish a little more aggressive, especially snook. And best of all tarpon popped up earlier than they usually show. Now I'm not saying they were all over the place, yet I was suprised numerous times poling a shoreline for reds or snook and stumbeling onto a laid up fish unexpectedly! If I went and looked for them, they were laying on the bottom and would only see them as they blew out running in the other direction. A front came through last night and dropped the water to its typical range making sight fishing good today. We landed seven nice slot reds and three quality snook all in the skinny water. The hardest thing about being a guide is dealing with the curve balls mother nature throws your way. Yet I like the challenge, it keeps us on our toes and makes you a better fisherman by adapting to the conditions. Until my next report, tight lines and screaming drags to those who dare to go. Capt. Jeff Legutki Anglers Addiction Guide Service www.naplesfloridaflyfishing.com