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Venice Inlet and the Gulf of Mexico
Capt. Dave Pinkham
March 9, 2005
Venice - Saltwater Fishing Report
March offers great fishing action for both inshore and offshore anglers
Fishing on Florida’s west coast is good all year long with March being an outstanding month. Now that daylight hours are growing longer by the day and water temps are steadily on the rise, both inshore bay fishing and offshore gulf fishing should be excellent.
Out on the gulf, bottom fishing for groupers and snappers will be dependable. The big change offshore will be the annul spring run. Sometime during this month we should start seeing large schools of baitfish showing up west of our beaches. With an ample food supply readily available, many different species of larger gamefish will begin to make their appearance on the spring stage. Inshore the bay fishing should get good over the next couple months with lots of different species to go after.
Following is a fishing forecast of the different species of fish anglers along Florida’s southwest coastline can expect to encounter during the next four week period.
Offshore on the Gulf of Mexico -
Kingfish (king mackerel) should start their spring run moving north up Florida’s west coast over the next few weeks. As this annual migration unfolds some of the most exciting fishing opportunities of the year will open up with plenty of fishing action for all. Look for concentrations of schooled kings feeding in areas where bait is located.
Spanish mackerel the smaller cousin of the big kings should also be making a good showing now that spring is at our doorstep. These silver speedsters will hit most any bait when actively feeding. Trolling small silver spoons is a proven technique for producing mackerels.
Little tunny often show up just ahead of the mackerels as they arrive chasing the migrating schools of bait fish. Locally called bonito, these small tuna offer excellent sport for the light tackle angler.
Grouper fishing should bust wide open over the next few weeks as the gag groupers continue to show up on area ledges and wrecks. Natural baits fished at or near the bottom is a sure-fire method to catch them. Another great way to hook into big gags is trolling large lipped lures such as Mann’s stretch-30.
Snapper fishing, especially for mangrove snapper will be very good in March as well. Mangrove snapper tend to hang on the same sort of bottom that attracts the gag groupers. Once again fishing with natural baits at or near the bottom will produce mangroves. Gearing down to lighter tackle can often mean the difference between catching these wary fish or not.
Cobia fishing should start happening as schools of these migratory fish move up the coastline. Often seen swimming at or near the surface, cobia will normally charge a fresh live baitfish such as a pinfish or threadfin sardine.
Blackfin tuna usually make a good showing about the same time as the mackerels do. These fish usually average 20 to 25 pounds, and can make for one heck of an exciting cap to a good day of fishing. When targeting blackfin consider starting your quest at least 20 miles out on the Gulf. Live bait fish drifted over structure such as a shipwreck or sinkhole spring will often produce blackfin tuna.
Greater Amberjack will also be caught while fishing around the deeper wrecks and springs during the month of March.
Inshore in the bays and along the beaches –
Snook fishing action should really start picking up this month. Favorite live baits will be pilchards, shrimp, and pinfish. Warmer water temps will draw schools of snook from the backwater creeks out toward the passes.
Red drum (redfish) will be found in skinny water as they seek warmth and churn the bottom for food. Good natural baits will include shrimp, crabs, and small live fish. Artificial baits should attempt to mimic local food source.
Speckled sea trout fishing will be excellent on any healthy grass flat. Trout will hit just about any artificial or natural bait, so keep it simple.
Sheepshead fishing is at its best in March. Look for the big sheepies to be hanging around docks, bridges and any bottom structure.
March is a great time for fishing. Remember, if you’re too busy to go fishing, you’re just too busy! Get out and go fishin cuz’ it’s good fer ya!
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