PC/PCB Fishing Report 2-26-26
Bay Fishing
The bay bite has been good after a couple of warmer days following that cold snap. The water temps have bumped up, and reports of solid redfish and speckled trout action are rolling in. Most of the fish are being found in and around the flats.
The 15-day forecast is showing daily temps in the 70s, which should keep things moving in the right direction. The pass is producing some nice redfish and sheepshead as well. The sheepshead are scattered and not stacked up on the jetty tips just yet. Fiddler crabs have been working best, but shrimp are producing too.
SPECKLED TROUT REOPEN SUNDAY FOR 11 MONTHS
Surf Fishing
That last cold front dropped the water temp from 65 degrees to 58 degrees in about 24 hours. It has since rebounded and is now just shy of 62 degrees. That bounce back has helped the bite some, but the water has been stirred up, which usually does not help. It is still a little rough but is starting to clear.
Now is a great time to scout the beach and locate your cuts. The wind is supposed to drop this weekend, and when it does, expect some quality fish to be caught.
There have been some big pompano lately, several over 3 pounds and even one over 4 pounds. Peeled shrimp and Fishbites seem to be the common theme. This time of year, I like to fish bare hooks without floats.
Just before sunset has been consistently productive. One thing about spring pompano, they will often hit your bait and run toward shore. If your line suddenly goes slack, it is likely a fish. If you reel in and find a cut off rig, chances are a shark sensed the struggle and made off with your catch.
Go when you can. There are some tasty fish swimming by right now and it is only going to get better.
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Pier Fishing
The bonita and squid have shown up, and some of the squid have been decent size. Sheepshead are starting to feed a bit more and are being caught more consistently.
Redfish and black drum are cruising and cooperating. A few Spanish mackerel and some bluefish have also been caught. It will not be long before we are in a full on Spanish run.
Bottom Fishing
It has been cold, windy, and rough, and we are still dealing with wind. It is about to calm down and when it does, fishing should improve for most species.
There are still several closed species including red snapper, gag grouper, and amberjack, so make sure you check regulations before putting anything in the box.
Nearshore Trolling
It has been too rough and cold for this lately, but give it 2 to 3 weeks and the Spanish mackerel will be here.
Now is the time to stock up on Clark Spoons. My favorite is the silver with the red bead. Early in the season, start with a size 00. As the glass minnows grow, move up to a 0, then eventually to a size 1. Silver is my go to, but some days they really prefer gold.
Get your trolling leads ready and take the shine off by letting them sit in saltwater for a few days. New lead is shiny and Spanish hit shiny things.
Typical trolling weights run 2 oz to 6 oz. You will also want 40 lb mono for leaders about 8 to 10 feet in length. And do not forget to check your swivel supply.
Offshore Fishing
We are on repeat. Same as last week.
Lots of boat prep happening while we wait on better weather windows. There has been some talk of folks trying to sneak out, but it seems like the wind and seas keep lining up with the weekends. Hopefully we will have some real offshore reports soon.
