Fishing Chokoloskee in March
Capt. Brandon Acosta
March 4, 2018
Chokoloskee - Saltwater Fishing Report
We are currently having some cool weather in the mornings and a nice daily warming trend as the sun heats things up a bit. It looks like the cool mornings are going to be a brief trend. Since the coldest of the winter months are now behind us, expect to see a warming trend that will warm up our water temperatures again. We currently have water temps in the low 70's already which is about 8-10 degrees warmer than it was this time last year.
Typically in March, we see some of the best Speckled Trout and Pompano fishing our area has to offer. If you can find areas where you have grass on one side of the boat, and sand on the other, you could certainly get into some fun fishing! In these areas you can fish the same flats for both Speckled Trout and Pompano. Try casting out 3/8 oz "Don's Potbelly jig" tipped with very small fresh shrimp pieces (cut a shrimp into 6-8 pieces). The Trout will be in 3-5 feet of water in the grass, and the pompano will be in the same depth of water in the sandy areas. Let the jig bounce in the sand a little to get the Pompano interested.
We are seeing some Permit, Cobia, and Tarpon right now too. They are loving these warm water temperatures. The Snook are just starting to show up on the outside, and a couple of Redfish here and there too.
Sheepshead can be found in deeper holes and drop off's against the mangrove roots in the rivers and near shore areas. I like to live line a shrimp on a small 2/0 circle hook into these likely areas. Sheepshead fishing is an "art" of it's own that requires a lot of discipline and finess. When you feel a nibble, forget that natural born instinct to set the hook! Let him nibble! Reel in a half a crank, let him nibble some more! Keep reeling in a half a crank or so until you feel him grab that shrimp and run the other way. It takes a lot of patience and discipline, but once you get the finess down, the fruits will come. If you ever thought about getting an electric fillet knife, now is the time. Sheepshead are thick skinned, spiney, have big ribs, and are perfect candidates for cleaning with electric knives.
If you are interested in booking a chartered fishing tour or have other questions about fishing the 10,000 Islands area, be sure to contact me at [email protected] or call Lisa at our office at (239) 571-1756. Our team of captains love everything that the south Florida waters have to offer and truly enjoy sharing our passion with others. We look forward from seeing you out on the water this March!
Capt. Pete Rapps
Captain Rapps Charters and Guides
www.CaptainRapps.com
[email protected]
239-571-1756
Captain Rapps' Charters & Guides offers year round expert guided, light tackle, near shore, and backwater fishing trips in the 10,000 Islands of the Everglades National Park, and spring time Tarpon-only charters in the Florida Keys. Capt. Rapps' top notch team of guides accommodates men, women, & children of all ages, experienced or not. Between our vast knowledge & experience of the area, and easy going demeanors, you are guaranteed to have a great day. Book your charter 24/7 using the online booking calendar, and see Capt. Rapps' first class web site for Booking info, Videos, and more at http://www.CaptainRapps.com
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