Fishing Report

March is here, and spring is coming!  The key to march is to be patient.  March is a transition month.  Basically, as temperatures rise and fall, we will receive more wind. Both will make for tricky fishing conditions.  Our best bet is to hope for a calm warming trend.  It can happen in March. Be ready to fish when the winds calm and the tides are rising.

The trout bite can be tricky in March.  The river bite is washed out as the trout are heading to the flats.  They are waiting for that 60 degree plus water temp.  The past weekend water temps were 52 degrees. Best bet until the flats come alive is fishing the oyster bars at the mouth of the river or finding a creek on an incoming tide.  Live shrimp will catch them.

Redfish will be holding steady until the bait comes back to the flats.  Creek holes and shallow flats will be the warmest spots.   Incoming tides on a warm oyster bar or mud flat.  The key is to find them and enjoy catching them. Gold spoons are a great winter to spring bait. Live shrimp under a cork will catch them.

The ten day forecast will most likely keep the pelagic species out of our area until a bit warmer.  Reports of bluefish in Steinhatchee are the first sign.  History always shows fish in Steinhatchee fishing reports before St marks.   Spanish, king fish, bluefish, and all the bait chasers are coming! 

Sheephead season is almost here.  It won't be long before the public reefs will see the sheep spawn.  Live shrimp is needed.  Remember the resource is not unlimited.  Best to keep the smaller males and release those fat females.  

Offshore it is red grouper and amberjack season.  The report on red grouper is weak as most fish move deep in winter. Amberjack are always there to play with at K tower and Bryson. These locations are always good. Go deeper for bigger fish.  Keep an eye on those regulations.

Spring is about to happen.  You still have time to service those boats and replace the fishing gear.  Be patient but be ready.  Enjoy.