Best Fishing Vacations in February

February is still winter almost everywhere in the U.S., and that shapes the trip. The warm-water billfish seasons that began in late fall continue, Gulf Coast marshes keep producing redfish, and northern lakes are in the heart of ice season. It is a good month for a short escape somewhere warm, or a cold-weather trip planned around the ice.

Where to go in February

Florida Keys. February falls within the Keys sailfish season, listed by the Keys tourism office as November through March. Kingfish are listed as most active from September to March, and redfish and snook as best from December through July. When fronts make offshore rough, backcountry and reef trips can be an alternative.

Costa Rica Pacific Coast. The central and southern Pacific billfish peak runs from November through April, according to Sport Fishing magazine, and operators it lists there name January through April as their sailfish peak. Choose a base on the central or southern coast for a February trip.

Louisiana Gulf Coast. Louisiana’s tourism office describes redfish as a year-round target in its coastal marshes. For anglers within driving distance, a February marsh trip can be a solid winter option. Dress for cool, damp days.

Outer Banks, North Carolina. The visitors bureau lists giant bluefin tuna from early January through late March, usually caught and released, and names striped bass as the main winter fish for fly anglers.

Minnesota Lake Country. Ice fishing continues. Explore Minnesota notes that walleye are less active in winter but feed on the tops and edges of structure, and that rental fish houses range from basic day houses to sleepers with stoves and bunks. Always ask resorts and guides about current ice conditions.

Also consider: Cabo San Lucas, where Visit Los Cabos describes year-round sportfishing and notes sharks in winter and spring.

Planning notes for February

• School breaks: Some schools have a mid-winter break in February. If yours does, book warm destinations early.
• Weather: Fronts bring wind on the coasts. Keep spare days. See safety and weather.
• Gear: Layers and rain gear for boat runs, even in the south. See our packing list.
• Rules: Check current regulations and licenses for each state or country. See fishing licenses.

Seasons are broad patterns, not promises. Conditions vary by year, so check recent reports before you commit.

See also our warm-weather winter fishing guide. The destinations listed below are those whose season data includes February.