Rick Davidson (grassflats2@yahoo.com), Editor
"The RedManiac"
March is a transition month for both inshore and offshore anglers. Offshore, there has only been a half-month of grouper fishing available because of the closure; the grouper bite is still hot but occasionally inconsistent, and the arrival of kingfish and Spanish mackerel will provide some hot and heavy action. The cobia should arrive soon. Sheepshead are finishing their spawn, having provided many meals for those who ran out to the reef and other nearby structure. The inshore bite varies depending on temperature as the trout move from deeper water onto the flats as the grass regrows in shallow areas and repopulates with pinfish. Action may vary considerably day to day, and fishing tactics will change depending on water temperature and tidal flow. There are some nice gator trout available; the Sea Hag Marina sponsored a trout competition during the month and the winning trout was 6.5 pounds. Multiple local tournaments also resulted in several 5+ pound fish. Redfish may be found in large schools in shallow water. The availability of Spanish mackerel and bluefish in shallow waters makes the springtime one of the most exciting times to fish inshore. Make sure you stop by the marina and get some up-to-date reports and suggestions on the hottest lures and tackle from our knowledgeable staff.
Inshore Fishing Guides
Captain Steve Rassel, www.lastcastrass.com
As the water continues to warm the trout are beginning to move from the rivers and creeks to the open flats. On cold mornings they can be found in deeper water and skinny water as the sun gets overhead. Redfish have been more active north of the river with a few over 36 inches being taken. Spanish should start showing up more with the return of the large pods of baitfish.
Captain Rick Bouley, www.naturecoastflatsfishing.com
I returned from Texas with my brand new NewWater Curlew tunnel hull skiff on March 6th and began fishing charters the next day. All in all the fishing so far in March has been typical of the early spring....everything from stupendous to "El-Sucko". The weak tides in between the full and new moons, as usual, producing the toughest fishing as far as fish being aggressive on the bite. The periods of extreme tides on either side of the full and new moons delivered the best fishing of the month. I am seeing a lot more mullet moving in as days go by ...and that has proven to be a key ingredient in increasingly larger reds and a few 4 to 5 lb trout coming to the boat in the last few days. The last several days and slightly warmer water has seen an increased response to top-water plugs and poppers. Suspending baits such as a Corky Mullet or Mirro-Minnows are still producing but will begin to wane as the water temps rise. I have begun to fish the Gulp Swim Minnow in slow current situations and found it to be very effective. Thanks to my friend Alan Turner from Gainesville for encouraging me to give them a try. I have a very busy April scheduled and am looking forward to some great "flats-fishing".......Photos included are Joey Landreneau with 8 1/4 lb red.......Hank Feeley with 5 lb trout....Hank Feeley with 7 1/4 lb red......Avery Bozzetti with 3 1/2 lb trout ...Tracy Bozzetti with 4 lb trout ...all fish were caught in the shallows in the last week.
Captain Tommy Thompson, www.flanaturecoast.com/capttommy
I’ve been traveling much of the month doing research for my upcoming book, The Saltwater Angler’s Guide to Florida’s Big Bend and Emerald Coast, but did manage to get in a few charters in chilly weather. Tidal flow has been very important in this time of changing water temperatures and the best fishing has been in the afternoons with strong tides, after the flats warm up. Fishing in the creeks has been inconsistent as the fish are moving back and forth. I did locate several large schools of redfish in shallow rocky areas that can provide great action if you can get close without spooking them. If you do, move out of the area and then sneak back slowly; they may return to their original spot. Trout have been relatively scattered but there are some nice sizable fish to be caught. I’m looking forward to warmer weather and a more consistent bite.
Captain Alex Winnett, www.reelfloridacharters.com
The sheepshead have been on the reef in good numbers. Catching the bite has been tough but if you catch it at the right time it can be a lot of fun on light tackle. Small ones are being caught near shore around good structure. Stick with live shrimp or fiddler crabs on a sliding sinker rig for the best chance on sheepshead. The trout bite has been good with a slow presentation, as water temperatures are still a little low for this time of year. Finding them has been the challenging part but if you find them you can have a good day.
Offshore Fishing Guides
Captain Wiley Horton, www.tunersportfishing.com
The surface water temp is rising but still cool. The lack of freshwater runoff from the rivers and the relatively light winds lately combine to render the water offshore Steinhatchee crystal clear. We've been able to spot hard bottom and actually see fish out to seventy feet. A waxing moon, slow tidal movements and clear water can make grouper fishing a challenge but we're up to the task.
The last few trips have seen numerous juvenile scamp brought to the boat, a good sign for the future. Nothing eats better than the filet mignon of the grouper species. I'm also encouraged to have caught legal red snappers on each trip, the season opens in April. On my last trip, we lowered an underwater camera on some bottom structure and were surprised to see a bunch of hogfish milling around.
