I'm going to have some time off in February. Where should I think about going fishing and get out of the snow?

I love it all, but especially tarpon, dorado, roosterfish and large rainbows.

Costa Rica. tarpon on the east coast and dorado, roosters on the west coast. it is really easy to fish both sides and only loose 1 day in the middle of the trip on a 10-14 day trip. if interested, i can give you the names of the 2 lodges i use.

Please do.

I fished Costa Rica two years ago, primarily for sailfish. It was great.

I was concerned about the east coast for tarpon due to wind that time of year, but I really don't know.

i fished twice out of Casa Mar for tarpon and Crocodile Bay for the west coast species. i was there in April and June, so I can't comment about Feb. but the travel dept. at Bob Marriot's Flyfishing in Irvine CA. can easily arrange a trip to either or both, as well as advise you on what to expect in Feb. also both lodges have a nice website with fishing calenders on them. be aware that Crocodile Bay is very upscale compared to Casa Mar, but both offer superb fishing. google Bob Marriot's for thier website.

It's true, Costa Rica and other Caribbean destinations can be great. But it's hard to beat South Florida. Depending on weather patterns we have outstanding backcountry fishing in Everglades National Park.
There are huge, super finicky bonefish in Biscayne Bay. Sailfish can be incredible. Big dorado are around. Key West has great yellowfin tuna and the list goes on and on.

It's something to consider.

For tarpon, Miami's Government Cut and Key West are good places. You might even get some big ones on fly in Whitewater Bay if the weather's right.

I see tarpon cruising everywhere in Key West in March. Going back agaain this year.

Thanks you guys, I didn't realize the tarpon fishing was any good that time of year in the keys.

check the weather shortly before you leave. if south Fla. gets a cold spell ( not that rare in Feb/March), all bets are off.

You're right,jdollar, but three days later all bets are back on. In the meantime, you can fish the Cut and have a good chance at some lunkers.
I have no stake and don't guide anymore, but I'll be happy to make a referral, SBT.

If you are interested in tarpon or bill fish...

Do a search for Angling in Angola.

You might be pleasantly surprised...

I thought everybody went to Mauritius for marlin fishing in February and March.

http://www.sportfisher.com/intro.htm

quote:

Originally posted by Wink:
I thought everybody went to Mauritius for marlin fishing in February and March.

http://www.sportfisher.com/intro.htm

not if they live in Wyoming, USA.

Well, I retired in February, but backed away from the fishing. I decided to go to Arizona and hunt quail for the first week, and had a grand time. Then I spent the rest of the month hunting mountain lions and killed a magnificent Tom.

Now its back to work so I can pay for a trip to Mauritius!