Fishing Report
FISHING REPORT
by Captain Mike McNamara
Closing out March with some great fishing. We still have some cold fronts passing through, but the temperatures have not been the concern. Watch the winds, as the forecasts are high as the fronts pass. The ten day forecast temperatures look good, as water temperatures should climb back above 70 degrees. Hopefully staying above 70 for the month of April and allowing the bait to return to the flats.
The speckled trout bite faded a bit with the last cold front. Anytime the water temperatures dip back to the lower 60’s, the bite will weaken. The flats are not loaded with trout. They are waiting for the bait and the water temperatures to rise. The first bait school showed up at the end of last week, so I would expect the bite to get better in the next two weeks. The west flats are extremely dirty, but the east is looking good. Crack a cork with a jig and shrimp pattern.
The redfish are roaming. They might not be eating everything you throw at them, but they will soon. With the glass minnows returning to the flats. There will be no need for them to hang so tight to the grassline. Topwater will be back in play this month. You can find them with a Skitterwalk.
The sheephead bite was on fire in March and should continue into April. Bring a bunch of live shrimp to a public reef and stink them. There are plenty of other fish on the bottom but sheephead is your target. Light jigheads will help set the hook.
We have not seen a push of spanish macks into the bay yet, but this could be the week. With bait pushing into three feet of water last week, offshore must be holding more. If macks are your target? Head towards Rotary Reef and keep an eye out for diving birds and the porpoise action. Troll skirted lures and spoons at 3 mph.
No news on offshore season for red snapper. It is not fair to hold the dates. Spring has sprung and setting dates lets anglers plan their fishing adventures and boat prep. Until the State of Florida fixes their issues, we must catch the sea bass and grunts. Gag grouper is scheduled to open in the fall. Contact your local house representative to fix the issue if red snapper is your vibe. Votes matter.
Spring is here! Enjoy your Easter Weekend! Jesus is the reason for the season!