Warm weather brought near everyone out from his or her winter liars over the weekend. Anglers worth their salt know it is still February and one of which is admix one of the coldest winters in Florida history. Every year, the first significant warming trend often brings out many wishful (and tall) tails (no pun intended). I will be cautious not to jump the gun. Still anything can happen. Further, the fish have been shot back several times the past few months and will remain reluctant to make the same mistake again. All indications are that we will likely be in spring conditions on the next moon in less than 2 weeks.

Several species will now and have made their way onto the edges of the flats to sun. Often these fish (redfish and particularly snook) are visible as plain day, yet will often suffer a case of lockjaw when an offering is made. This is a natural process and will last just a short time if the conditions hold.

Trout and sheepshead will be the standbys in the early morning with most activity on redfish, snook, and juvenile tarpon coming within the heat of the day. Jacks, pompano and a few cobia will hang close to the powerplants on one day and will be miles from the place when they’re biological thumb goes up.

In a behind the scenes look of a full time, established, and top end operation…I’ve spent the past few weeks getting all my ducks in a row. Such as, getting a new truck, changing out my Mercury sponsored 2000-225 OptiMax to the 2001 Digital, restocking all the tackle and supplies. As well, I’ve been buried in my office crunching numbers, doing paper work, scheduling and completing tax forms. The time has now come to make the donuts, fish or cut bait.

Top giant tarpon guides are all in agreement, with the cold winter, this very well could be one of the very best giant tarpon seasons in recent memory. As I stated a few reports back, while we took our lumps in some downright cold weather, it is now time for the benefit. We expect the fish to be in big numbers by mid April and lasting well into July on the Gulf side. Thus, followed by a fishery deep within the Bays and Harbors throughout summer. Without question our area boasts more giant tarpon in one single location than any other location in the world from mid April through early July. I have fished people from around the world who have attempted to test their mettle against the silver king in many of far destinations. Needless to say, they are members of my client base who have come back for years and book a year(s) in advance. This phenomenon is exactly what it is billed to be…The World’s Greatest Giant Tarpon Fishing. We offer all the area has to offer with tons of professional and proven experience. The Bounty Hunter is a 2000 Dorado 23’ Dorado LE. The boat offers off the water gunwales, a full transom. In addition to offering state of the art tackle (Penn International, Shimano TLD, Fin-Nor, Star, Sage, Islander), the boat has an easily removable and storable 50lb. class Pompenette fight chair and tons of uncluttered deck space for casting and stand up fishing. No need to be packed like sardines, she comfortably fishes 4. She one of the largest and safest tarpon skiffs in the area and is regarded as the Cadillac of tarpon boats.

Just ahead in March the spring migration of king mackerel will transpire just off the shoreline with their cousins, Spanish mackerel. Cobia will show first on the nearshore wrecks and then followed by the navigational markers and inshore flats. Grouper bites much closer to shore will be the norm over some of the best live bottom in the state.

Mariners should be advised of the potential for fog as the water warming process will produce it many times over the next few weeks. It is best to let it burn off (usually mid morning). If you must run through it, be sure your navigation lights are working and that you sound the proper signal while running or at anchor. Travel a safe speed and post a designated lookout. As always be watching out for the other guy.

We have a lot to look forward to over the next few months with the prime time of the year. We’ve waited sometime now for this and before you know it, it will pass in a whispering breeze. Now is the time to finish all the "honey dos" and clear the way for the best the year will have to offer.

Screaming Drags and Tired Arms!

Robert McCue