philsmith1125 Loc: Ft Walton Beach, FL

I just want to enjoy myself fishing off the beach, the fishing pier and/or in the brackish water first of February....please, any input u can contribute will be greatly appreciated...example: fresh bait, artificial casting lures, suggested fishing line weight or whatever u may use urself, Thank U very much, Phil

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

Good morning, phil, and welcome to the Stage. The weight will depend on the current, your bait, preferably live shrimp, will go somewhat with the flow of the current, but not too fast.

philsmith1125 Loc: Ft Walton Beach, FL

I think I'll go with a 20# test and heavy weight...what say to that?

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

The 20# test is fine, but you want the shrimp to move a little

Rheatown Loc: Greeneville tn

Sebastian inlet is great place to fish there you can use big jigs or crank baits work and have caught many but shrimp and mullet work great also there’s bait shops all around there that sell them all including little bait shop there at the jetty in the park and can also fish shore line on either side

Rheatown Loc: Greeneville tn

Sorry Sebastian is a good piece from you I was thinking it was on ocean side but regardless fly guy is correct shrimp is always good bait will catch anything around also mullet live or cut bait works well we try to use different weight depending on the current and attach it neutral where bait can move hook size depends on what is biting or what you’re fishing for we rig rods up with different size hooks to see which is working best on the area for the day hope this helps

philsmith1125 Loc: Ft Walton Beach, FL

thanks to u both for ur input...

LKPKGA

I would try shrimp or bait fish then depending what is bitting try plastics.

Ave Loc: Okaloosa County FL

You may want to find some small blue crabs along the shoreline as well because Feb is also a good time to find Permit in the Panhadle. They love a good crab meal. Again just enough weight to slow him down and also keep it from burying itself. I've read posts where some guys even break them on half. Permit aren't the only thing that will eat a blue. Keep in mind I'd a big Red hits this, they really need to stay in the water. Feb aint the time to go wading but even on 20# tackle you won't horse a big Red in before it has given you its all. I like to tell people that a photographed Red out of water is a "Last seen" photo. Theyre hard to revive and sharks love them. It sucks that surrounding states allow one over-slot Red per angler (at leat they used too) but they don't have the amount of coastline & bays/inlets that we enjoy here in FL or the travelling/vacationing anglers wanting a Slam. If we all kept a Big-Red daily, they'd be even more elusive than the endangered & now near extinct Red Snapper... Just one more thing...if the water isn't moving (no total or wind current) brace yourself for some great catfishing...take all the hard heads you can carry 😀 Feb is our coldest water month & bays will be at their coldest so it'll be tough. If you're building a rig for just this trip be conservative & don't be surprised if it turns tango uniform.