Redfish and Snook Action Steadily Improving
Capt. Stewart Ames
March 25, 2022
Clearwater - Saltwater Fishing Report
Although sea trout fishing has not been as exceptional as it usually is in St Joseph's Sound, the redfish and snook bite has begun to pick up noticeably. Redfish action over the last week has been excellent with 6 to 12 fish being caught on recent charters…some of these fish well over the slot limit. Live pilchards, pinfish and cut baits have all been effective. Most fish have been located either along mangrove shorelines on the higher phases of the tide or on open flats in the company of mullet schools.
Snook are still in their spring pattern, holding mostly in warm bays, bayous and along spoil islands. Many of these fish are below the slot limit but an occasional slot or over slot fish has been making an appearance. Chumming live pilchards to identify fish location and then casting to active fish has been the most effective approach. Occasionally, fish have been caught on live pinfish while targeting redfish in the mangroves. This bite will improve every day that the temperature goes up. Fish will start to head to the beaches in April and gather there in greater numbers through May and June.
Kingfish and mackerel have started to show up several miles off the beach. Another week of warmer weather and east winds should accelerate this fishing. Anchoring and chumming with whitebait or slow trolling with live threadfins are both effective tactics to bring these fish to the boat. Good luck and good fishing.
Clearwater Fishing Forecast:
Continued Improvement of snook and redfish bite. Kingfish and mackerel showing off the coast.
Target Species:
Snook, redfish, sea trout, kingfish, mackerel, snapper
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