Cocodrie Bull Redfish Explosion: February Marsh Fishing Heats Up Across Terrebonne Parish Waters

Weather and Water Conditions Finally Align

After weeks of challenging winter patterns, Cocodrie and the surrounding marshes of Terrebonne Parish have finally hit their stride. The stable weather pattern we've been enjoying has transformed our fishery, with water temperatures steadily climbing into the mid-60s across much of the region. This warming trend has triggered impressive activity throughout the marsh system, particularly for redfish and black drum.

Clear skies and moderate winds have meant predictable water levels and improved clarity, especially in the interior marsh ponds and shallow bays. The tides have been running on the stronger side, creating excellent feeding opportunities as water pushes through cuts and drains, concentrating baitfish and creating ambush points for predatory species.

Bull Redfish Making Their Presence Known

The bull redfish bite has been nothing short of spectacular over the past week. These oversized bruisers in the 25-35 pound class have been showing up consistently along the outer islands and deeper channels, providing our clients with rod-bending battles and memories that will last a lifetime.

Several trips this week produced multiple fish over 30 pounds, with the largest tipping the scales at an impressive 42 pounds. These giants have been particularly responsive to fresh cut mullet and menhaden chunks on the falling tide, especially when presented near structure or depth changes.

For those seeking these trophy reds, we've found success focusing on the outer regions near Last Island and the surrounding rigs, where the larger specimens tend to congregate this time of year. The deeper channels leading from Cocodrie out toward Cat Island Pass have also been productive hunting grounds when the tide is moving.

Marsh Action Heating Up

The interior marsh complex has come alive as water temperatures stabilize. Slot-sized redfish (16-27 inches) have been aggressively feeding in the shallow ponds and along grass lines, often giving themselves away with visible pushes and wakes that make for exciting sight fishing opportunities.

Black drum have joined the party as well, with impressive numbers of these powerful fighters showing up along shell banks and around structure. While not typically the primary target for most anglers, these bulldogs have provided non-stop action when the redfish get finicky, and they make excellent table fare when kept in the smaller size range.

Speckled trout action remains somewhat spotty but is showing definite signs of improvement. The deeper bayous connecting to Lake Barre and Terrebonne Bay have been holding decent numbers, particularly during the early morning hours. As water temperatures continue to rise, expect this bite to significantly improve in the coming weeks.

Tactics and Baits Producing Results

The fish have been surprisingly cooperative across a variety of presentations. In the clearer interior marshes, gold spoons and soft plastics under popping corks have been deadly effective. When targeting the shallow ponds, we've had great success with weedless gold spoons that can be worked through the grass without hanging up.

For those preferring natural baits, fresh shrimp under a cork has been the consistent producer, especially when targeting mixed bags that include drum, sheepshead, and the occasional flounder. When specifically targeting bull reds in the deeper areas, nothing beats a chunk of fresh mullet or menhaden fished on the bottom.

During lower light conditions (early morning and late afternoon), topwater presentations have triggered explosive strikes from upper-slot redfish patrolling the grass lines. The excitement of watching a redfish blow up on a surface lure is something every angler should experience.

## Looking Ahead: Spring Patterns Emerging

As we continue through February and into March, all signs point to an exceptional spring season ahead. Baitfish populations are already showing up in good numbers, which typically translates to improved fishing as predators follow their food source.

The warming trend is forecasted to continue, with only minor cold fronts expected in the coming weeks. This stability should further enhance the bite and potentially trigger an early spring pattern, particularly for speckled trout.

The window for targeting trophy bull reds typically extends through early spring, so opportunities remain for anglers seeking that once-in-a-lifetime catch. As water temperatures climb further, these giants will eventually move toward deeper Gulf waters, so now is the time to capitalize on their presence.

## Booking Information

Our calendar is filling quickly as word spreads about the hot bite, but we still have select dates available in late February and March. For those planning spring trips, we recommend securing your dates soon, as the prime spring weeks are typically our busiest time of year.

Mother Nature can indeed throw us curveballs from time to time, but when she cooperates as she has been lately, there's no better place to be than the productive waters surrounding Cocodrie, Louisiana. The incredible experiences we strive to provide as guides are happening daily now, with clients leaving the water with sore arms, camera rolls full of photos, and plans to return.

Come join us in experiencing some of the finest inshore fishing Louisiana has to offer. The marshes are alive, the fish are hungry, and conditions couldn't be better for that trip of a lifetime.

Tight lines,
Capt. Todd Monson
Cocodrie, Louisiana