Fishing Report Siesta Key, Florida February 2026
🌊 Current Fishing Conditions
As of mid-February 2026, fishing conditions around Siesta Key are rated fair to good, with wind and tides playing a major role in daily success. Anglers are seeing the best results by targeting protected waters early in the day and fishing during incoming tides when baitfish become more active.
Winter cold fronts have cooled water temperatures, which shifts fish behavior toward deeper holes, docks, and nearshore reefs. While some species slow down in colder water, several “cold-weather favorites” are actually feeding aggressively right now. Siesta Key fishing is some of the best fishing in Southwest Florida.
🐟 What’s Biting Right Now
✅ Inshore Species (Hot Bite)
Recent charter reports show strong action for:
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Sheepshead – One of the top winter targets and biting consistently around structures, bridges, and docks.
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Black Drum – Active alongside sheepshead and great table fare.
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Redfish – Found along shallow flats and mangrove shorelines.
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Spotted Seatrout – Holding on deep grass flats and channels.
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Flounder – Showing up near docks and sandy bottom areas.
Guides report anglers “catching a ton” of sheepshead, redfish, and black drum during recent trips, especially during cooler weather patterns.
🌴 Flats & Grass Areas
Deep grass flats around Sarasota Bay and the north end of Siesta Key are producing mixed catches including:
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Trout
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Spanish mackerel
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Pompano
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Bluefish
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Jacks
Fishing improves when tides begin moving and bait schools gather over the flats.
🌙 Night Fishing Opportunities
Night fishing remains productive during winter:
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Snook are being caught and released around lighted docks in the Intracoastal Waterway.
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Snook feed heavily on shrimp and small baitfish this time of year, though anglers should avoid targeting them during extreme cold snaps because they are temperature sensitive.
⚓ Nearshore & Offshore Action
When weather allows boats to get offshore, anglers are reporting:
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Lane snapper
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Mangrove snapper
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Hogfish
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Occasional cobia
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Catch-and-release grouper
Nearshore reefs have been especially productive between cold fronts.
🕒 Best Times to Fish
Local fishing outlooks suggest anglers focus on:
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First 3 hours of the incoming tide (strong feeding window)
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Early morning before winds increase
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Midday warming periods after cold mornings
Wind protection is key — sheltered bays and canals often outproduce open water on breezy days.
🪱 Recommended Baits & Techniques
Successful local anglers are using:
Live Bait
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Shrimp (top winter producer)
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Small pilchards
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Glass minnows
Artificial Lures
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Soft plastic jigs
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DOA shrimp imitations
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Lightly weighted flies
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Slow-worked bottom rigs for sheepshead
Fishing around docks, bridge pilings, oyster bars, and rock structures is especially effective this time of year.
🌡️ Seasonal Notes (Winter Pattern)
February fishing in Siesta Key follows predictable winter trends:
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Cold water pushes fish into deeper or structure-heavy areas.
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Sheepshead and drum fishing peaks.
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Snook become more temperature sensitive but remain catchable at night.
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Flats fishing improves on warmer afternoons.
These seasonal shifts create excellent opportunities for anglers targeting eating-quality fish rather than trophy summer species.
🎣 Overall Outlook
The Siesta Key fishing scene is strong for winter anglers willing to adjust tactics to seasonal conditions. While offshore trips depend heavily on weather windows, inshore fishing remains reliable with steady action from sheepshead, trout, and redfish.
Bottom line:
If you’re looking to fill the cooler or enjoy steady rod-bending action, February is actually one of the most underrated times to fish Siesta Key.
Who to contact: If your in the Siesta Key area and looking to do some fishing, Calibrated Fishing Charters in Siesta Key, Sarasota Florida area is your best bet.
