Text & Photos by Patrick “Tupat” Eichstaedt // @TheRealTupat

Powered by: Off The Hook at Inlet Harbor & Tupat’s Hawaiian Seasonings and Poke Sauce

With 2020 already in motion and the clear vision in the backwaters of Bethune Beach, the fishing has started off super hot! Although we have had a few up and down weather days, the bite has been strong and the redfish have started to school up. The big trout are starting to filter in more as well as the larger snook. Without a doubt, the forecast for tight lines is looking awesome! 

Florida Fishing in February

Towards the end of January, we saw some very cold and windy conditions but @ChristianOehmke battled the weather and scored a beautiful shallow creek trout (pictured above). He utilized a free line mullet in shallow waters letting the bait swim into a deeper hole located in the middle of a creek intersection. The results were a fun fight and beautiful fish! 

My Uncle Gary has been fishing these parts for over 40 years and has seen it all. We recently had a morning session that had perfect conditions. Utilizing live mullet and a sinker to keep the mullet submerged, he scored this beautiful trout (pictured above). The hook set was very impressive on this catch using a circle hook that was perfectly set in the upper-center portion of his mouth! 

Part-time local, GoJuice co-founder and pro surfer, Michael Dunphy had the opportunity to score a backwater session a few weeks back and landed this beautiful snook utilizing a DOA Shrimp. What I like best about his photo (pictured above) is his radical grip on the snook’s mouth. These fish have razor sharp gills that will slice you real quick! Great catch, Dunny! 

Bait to Use in February

As we move into February, look for more action on schools of reds and big trout will be the norm! I also recommend using jig heads with Gulp! baits. 

BEST DAYS TO FISH IN FEB: 1 – 3, 8 – 10, 14 – 15, 20 – 26 

Until next issue… Cast ‘em, Hook ‘em and Catch ‘em! 

February 2020 Tide Chart: