February on the Space Coast is a transitional month — winter patterns are still in play, but the first signs of spring are emerging. Water temperatures are hovering in the low to mid 70s, and fish are starting to shift their behavior as days get longer and warmer.
Sheepshead: The Star of February
If there's one species that defines February fishing on the Space Coast, it's sheepshead. These structure-loving fish with their distinctive black-and-white stripes are stacked up around bridges, docks, jetties, and any hard structure they can find. Port Canaveral Jetty, the Eau Gallie Causeway bridge pilings, and the Pineda Causeway are all producing limits of sheepshead right now.
The key to sheepshead success is simple: fiddler crabs on small (#1 or #2) circle hooks, fished tight to structure with just enough weight to reach bottom. Their bite is notoriously subtle — you'll feel a series of light taps before a solid thump. Set the hook on the thump, not the taps. Fresh fiddler crabs are available at most local bait shops; Whitey's Bait & Tackle in Cocoa always has a good supply.
🎯 Gear Pick: Sheepshead Setup
A 7' medium-light spinning rod with 10 lb braid and 15 lb fluorocarbon leader is perfect for sheepshead. The sensitivity lets you feel their delicate bite, and the backbone handles their hard runs into structure.
Penn Battle III 3000 Combo — $129.99 →Redfish: Schooling Up in the Lagoon
Redfish are exhibiting classic late-winter behavior — grouping up in schools of 10 to 50+ fish in the deeper flats and channel edges of the Indian River Lagoon. Look for them in 3-5 feet of water near spoil islands, especially on the west side of the Intracoastal from Titusville south to Melbourne.
When you find a school, approach quietly (trolling motor on low or push pole) and cast soft plastics on 1/4 oz jig heads ahead of the school. Gold spoons are also deadly — the flash triggers reaction strikes from competitive reds. Live shrimp under a popping cork is the easy-mode option and works consistently.
The best redfish action this month has been in the Indian River Lagoon between the Melbourne Causeway and Dragon Point, and in the Banana River near the flats south of SR-528. Early morning and late afternoon have been the most productive windows.
Trout: Deep Potholes Are the Key
Spotted seatrout have settled into their winter pattern, holding in deeper potholes and channel edges where water temperatures are slightly warmer. Mosquito Lagoon is producing the best trout action, particularly in the 3-5 foot depth range over mixed sand and grass bottom.
Slow down your retrieve — winter trout don't want to chase fast-moving baits. A soft plastic on a 1/8 oz jig head, worked with a slow twitch-and-pause, is the go-to. The Z-Man TRD MinnowZ in opening night or new penny color has been the hot bait this month. Live shrimp under a popping cork is always a solid backup plan.
🎯 Gear Pick: Trout Tackle
The Z-Man TRD MinnowZ is the most popular soft plastic in Brevard County right now. Pair it with a NedlockZ jig head for a weedless presentation that slides through the grass.
Z-Man TRD MinnowZ — $4.99 →Early Snook: A Glimpse of Spring
While snook are still in their winter doldrums for the most part, the first signs of activity are appearing at Sebastian Inlet. On warmer afternoons when water temps push into the upper 70s, snook are starting to feed in the inlet current. White paddle tail jigs and live shrimp have been producing fish, though the action is inconsistent — some days are hot, others are dead.
By the end of February, expect snook activity to increase significantly, especially on the warmer days. Keep an eye on water temperature trends — once we get a sustained period of 75°F+ water, the spring snook bite will be on.
Moon Phase & Tides
February features a full moon on the 12th and a new moon on the 27th. The strongest tidal movements around these dates will concentrate bait and trigger feeding activity. Plan your trips around the major tide changes — the last two hours of outgoing and first two hours of incoming are typically the most productive windows.
The new moon period at the end of the month should be particularly good for night fishing at Sebastian Inlet and under bridge lights throughout the lagoon system.
Location-by-Location Breakdown
- Indian River Lagoon (Merritt Island to Melbourne): Redfish schools, trout in potholes, sheepshead on docks. Best overall action right now.
- Mosquito Lagoon: Trophy trout on the flats. Sight-fish for redfish on calm mornings. Best for experienced anglers.
- Sebastian Inlet: Sheepshead on the jetty rocks, early snook in the current. Night fishing starting to produce.
- Port Canaveral: Sheepshead limits on the jetty. Occasional cobia sighting — have a heavy rod rigged and ready.
- Banana River: Trout and redfish on the flats. Kayak anglers doing well south of 528.
- Cocoa Beach Pier: Whiting, bluefish, and the occasional pompano. Great for beginners and families.
The Bottom Line
February is an excellent month to fish the Space Coast if you know where to look. Focus on sheepshead around structure, redfish schools in the lagoon, and trout in deeper water. The spring patterns are just around the corner — by mid-March, this fishery will be on fire. Get out there and enjoy the quiet before the crowds arrive.
Tight lines from the Local Lure team. 🎣