Capt, Rick Davidson, Editor (greasflats2@yahoo.com)
MARCH FISHING REPORT
That “….out like a lamb” thing was running a little late this year, as the wind was a challenge near the end of the month. Throw in a few fronts and it made things tough for a time, but in spite of that, there were lots of great catches, with redfish leading the way this month. The Power Pole National Redfish Tour event was a massive success, with some great action. Trout catches were increasing as keeper size fish are beginning to move onto the shallower flats. The offshore captains are targeting hog snapper and red grouper, and sheepshead fishing hit its annual March peak, with some still available. Here are some pics of this month’s catches.
APRIL FISHING FORECAST
With the usual warming trend in April, we’ll see more pinfish moving onto the flats, with trout right behind them. Fishing popping corks with live shrimp or Gulp baits are the standard for shallow water flats fishing, but regular jigs and lures will work as well. As the pinfish move in, fish sandy potholes in the grass. Trout are ambush predators and they will hold near sandy areas and rush out to grab pinfish when they appear over the sandy patches. Try to make long casts near or onto these sandy areas, but long stretches of pure sand bottom are rarely productive. Nice keeper trout catches have been coming in from around the bird rack and Doghead to the north and the flats between Sink Creek and Tater Island to the south. The redfish bite will continue to be excellent; fishing flood tides near marshlines, especially in areas with scattered oyster bars, are the best locations to scout. Some of the classic areas, like the shoreline behind Big Grass Island and Long Point have been very productive. Near the end of the month be looking for the pelagic migration to begin as whitebait, kingfish and Spanish mackerel as well as cobia will be passing through.
We have three big tournaments coming up in April. The Spring Salty Gator tournament takes place on the 6th, with the captain’s meeting at 7PM on the 5th. A week later on the 13th the Big Bend Redfish tournament is on, with the captain’s meeting taking place at 6:30 Saturday morning. And on April 27th, one of our oldest tournaments, the UF Health Fishing for Kids tournament will be front and center. These are some great tournaments that will be well-subscribed. If you’re not able to fish, make sure to come to the weigh-ins which are always entertaining.
As the weather improves, make sure you take advantage of the fine spring fishing season. Spring and fall are the best times to fish our area, so get out there and let’s catch some fish!
