Georgia Saltwater Fishing Report February 2011

Saltwater: Inshore: Capt. Judy Helmy reported that even on a warm day water temperatures are in the mid to high 40s, and the redfish bite has been either off or on. “On some days you can creep in quietly to your fishing area and might get some sort of a bite. However, from the reports received these fish have been so guarded that when bait was delivered they scattered,” she said. “It’s not unusual at this time to see hundreds of red fish and still not be able to get them to eat (anything).” Greg Hildreth reports, “Man it has been one cold winter, but the redfish are still biting. I have had some good action with sight casting to shallow-water reds on the days when we have had sunny conditions. The reds will move onto the shallow mud flats to warm up and feed. I have had my action with fly tackle casting shrimp-pattern flies in bronze and black colors. My clients who have been casting light spinning gear have been casting the new 2000 Series Penn Conquer reels with 14-lb. Berkley Fireline and using a 7-foot, medium-fast action All Star redfish rod. The baits have been the 3-inch Berkley Gulp Shrimp in the new-penny color with a 1/4-oz. jig head. I have also been casting the Bomber saltwater-grade mud minnow in the new-penny color on a jig head. I haven’t been able to find any trout with the water temp being in the 40s, but hopefully this spring will hurry and we will have some warmer water soon.

Nearshore: Capt. Judy reported some good action for black drum and sheepshead while fishing the artificial reefs. Greg reports, “The nearshore fishing for sheepshead has been good and will be on fire in the next months to come.”