Captain Zach's Manatee Fishing Report, February 1

CORTEZ – The last couple of days have been beautiful compared to the weather of late. A trip on Saturday produced some pretty decent action despite a lackluster 13-hour incoming tide.
Once again, spotted sea trout were the numbers catch with trout from 12 inches to 20 inches cooperating on Cotee jigs and live shrimp.

The bulk of the specks were found hanging tight to deep drop-offs, abutting extremely shallow shoals and bars. A few of the spots had ledges and wrecks nearby that also gave up some sheephead, but the average size left a lot to be desired. A few flounder rounded out the action on a lousy tide, bluebird day.

If we can manage a week or two of reasonably mild weather, the angling scene should start to open up some with the return of bluefish, pompano, and early Spanish mackerel.
Offshore boats are going to be jonesing for trips after the first of February when the grouper fishery is going to shut down both in the federal and state waters for all species of grouper.

There is still a hot bite going on out there for both grouper and red snapper, but thanks to questionable regulations, there will be no harvest until the first of April. Good luck and good fishing. Be careful out there!!

Capt. Zach, Cortez, Fl 941-795-5026 email: zachcap@aol.com. Give me a call to book an offshore,nearshore,or inshore fishing trip in the Anna Maria/Longboat Key/Cortez area.