We can probably anticipate the approach of some harsh weather this month as fierce frontal passages make their way down to us from places like Canada and Alaska. But don’t let the frosty weather push you off the water entirely this month. Learn to take advantage of the weather patterns associated with these fronts. Some of our most prosperous February days have been the one or two days just prior to the onset of a front when the winds tend to build substantially out of the south. Learn, also, to pay close attention to the backside of these frontal systems, generally the second or third day when the strong north winds begin to subside, the tides begin to level-out again, and the water color once again begins to clear. Those can often be some mighty fine fishing days to look forward to in February.

The process you used for maneuvering your plastic baits in December and January won’t change in February. The secret will be to work them slow. And just when you think you’re moving them as slow as you possibly can, slow down some more. Attempt to pump the lure across the bay floor without reeling it in. This creates miniature vibrations and mud clouds as your bait is slowly worked across the bottom, and this also helps to keep your bait in front of the fish for a longer period of time. This technique has worked on many occasions in February’s cold water, especially on the redfish, and especially when pairing dark-colored plastic tails with very light 1/16-ounce jig heads.

If it’s February reds that you happen to be after, they are not always difficult to find this month due to the transparency of the water that’s brought about by the cold temperatures. Redfish generally feed on the bay bottom, so they have their nose in the mud a lot of the time while foraging for their next meal. This creates a cloudy area in the otherwise clear water that many anglers refer to as “mud boils”. When one or two reds are feeding in the same area, the mud boil may start out no bigger than the size of a dinner plate. Cast your bait beyond the boil, reel the bait to within close proximity of the murky water, and then work the bait slowly across the muddied area. This is a proven technique that has produced over and over again on February reds whenever the water becomes extremely cold and really clear.

Good luck, and keep grindin’!