Fly Fishing in Tampa Bay: What You Can Catch in February
I’d like to start by giving a big shout out to a good friend and client, Blake. Thank you for always taking the time to read these blogs and letting me know if there’s something to improve on!
Tampa Bay, Florida, is a world-class fly fishing destination year-round, but February offers a unique blend of opportunities. As winter lingers, cooler water temperatures concentrate fish into predictable locations, creating prime conditions for fly anglers. Whether you’re wading the flats, poling the mangroves, or casting deeper channels, this month offers excellent variety and action.
1. Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus)
Redfish are the bread and butter of Tampa Bay fly fishing. In February, they school up on shallow mud flats where they warm in the sun.
Best Flies:
- Shrimp and crab patterns (EP Shrimp, Kwan, Merkin Crab)
- Clouser Minnows (chartreuse/white, tan/white)
- Small poppers and gurglers
Best Tactics:
- Fish mid-morning on warming flats
- Look for tailing fish and mud plumes
- Use slow, natural retrieves
2. Spotted Seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus)
Seatrout congregate in deeper potholes and channels, moving shallow on warmer days.
Best Flies:
- Deceivers (white, olive/white)
- Clousers (chartreuse, pink)
- Gurglers for topwater
Best Tactics:
- Target drop-offs and potholes
- Use slow strip-pause retrieves
- Fish low-light periods
3. Snook (Centropomus undecimalis)
Snook are still around in February but tend to hold in deeper, warmer water.
Best Flies:
- EP Baitfish (olive/white, black/purple)
- Muddler Minnows
- Shrimp patterns
Best Tactics:
- Target docks, mangroves, and deeper creeks
- Use sinking lines and slow presentations
- Look for sunning fish on warm afternoons
4. Black Drum (Pogonias cromis)
Black drum are abundant in winter and often found with redfish.
Best Flies:
- Crab patterns (Merkin, Kung Fu Crab)
- Shrimp flies
- Dark Clousers
Best Tactics:
- Fish sandy flats and channels
- Present flies slowly
- Use heavier leaders (20–30 lb)
5. Pompano (Trachinotus carolinus)
Pompano are fast and exciting targets found near sandy flats and passes.
Best Flies:
- Small Clousers (yellow, pink)
- Crazy Charlies and Gotchas
- Small bonefish patterns
Best Tactics:
- Fish sandy drop-offs and channels
- Use quick, erratic retrieves
- Watch for jumping fish
6. Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus)
Sheepshead are a technical challenge and commonly found around structure.
Best Flies:
- Small crab patterns
- Shrimp flies
- Fiddler crab imitations
Best Tactics:
- Approach stealthily
- Make precise casts
- Use lighter tippet (10–15 lb)
7. Jack Crevalle (Caranx hippos)
Jacks are aggressive and powerful, often feeding in large schools.
Best Flies:
- Large baitfish patterns
- Poppers and gurglers
- Deceivers
Best Tactics:
- Look for birds and surface activity
- Strip fast to trigger strikes
- Use strong leaders (30–40 lb)
8. Ladyfish (Elops saurus)
Ladyfish provide nonstop action and acrobatic fights.
Best Flies:
- Small baitfish patterns
- Clousers and Deceivers
- Small poppers
Best Tactics:
- Fish moving water and estuary mouths
- Use fast retrieves
- Expect jumps and quick runs
Final Thoughts
Fly fishing in Tampa Bay during February offers a wide variety of species and excellent opportunities. Cooler temperatures concentrate fish, making them easier to locate and target. From redfish on the flats to jacks in open water, there’s something for every angler.
If you’re looking for a guided experience, Tampa Bay Guide Services can help you dial in the patterns and locations for a successful day on the water. Book your trip and experience some of the best winter fly fishing Florida has to offer.
