Most depressing, when the outdoors turns gray and dreary, the shortest month of the year seems to last forever. The major hunting seasons are over and most local fishing continues to sputter. Many realistic angling options are within reach of a week, or even a long weekend, for the determined Houston-area vagabond. One advantage of living in a major city is we have easy access to daily flights to many tropical destinations. Increasing numbers of nonstop flights make the exit even more appealing.
Many fleets specialize in light-tackle fishing.
Top picks are Agua Milpa, north of Guadalajara, Huites and Comadero, north of Mazatlan, and Guerrero, south of Victoria. Topwater fishing can be outstanding. The downside during winter can be excessive wind, but the weather usually is delightful. February is a dry month, although some rain always is a possibility, and tarpon are ganging off Caribbean rivers such as Colorado, Parismina and Tortuguero. Pacific sailfish are schooling in peak numbers off Pacific ports such as Flamingo, Quepos and Golfito, and blue and black marlin are definite possibilities.