Report for Naples, Marco Island and the Ten Thousand Islands
Capt. Matt Hoover
March 14, 2003
Marco Island - Saltwater Fishing Report
March Madness
Snook were boiling in the fast moving current on the point. They were taking advantage of the crippled scaled sardines that I threw in the likely spot. “I’m hooked up”, Bob shouted. “I’ve got one too”, his friend Larry yelled. I grinned sheepishly as the two of them did a dance around the boat. The drags were whining, anglers were giggling, and the sun was beating down on our backs. All was finally right in the Ten Thousand Islands. After a bitter winter in southern Florida, you can never be sure how the month of March is going to treat you. It can behave like a lamb or come in like a lion. More often than not it will dish out a little of both.
By now, the water temperature is in the seventies. Various species of baitfish will come to the near shore waters of our coast. The scaled sardines will show up along our beaches and they will be fairly easy to catch with a cast net. These baitfish are like candy to all of our game fish. Snook, redfish, trout and tarpon can’t resist a frisky sardine. Schools of large threadfin herring will amass just offshore. The cycle of life in the islands will be renewed.
Jigs, flies and artificial lures will take all of these species very well. If you like to use artificial top water lures, you are at the right place at the right time. Many anglers like to use live bait because their success rate is undisputed. This is why it is imperative that your boat be equipped with a quality live well.
The snook and redfish have had a tough winter and they are happy to filter out of the deep backcountry. They will be scattered from the back bays to the front of the islands. As the weeks go by, the fish will develop a pattern that will be easier to follow. Snook and redfish like cover and current. Look for mangrove shoreline that has water moving on it. Fallen bushes are a sure bet. Throw your offering as close to the structure as possible. Many people ask me what tide phase I like the best. Any tide will do. High tide is the slowest period of the day. The water will come up to the bottom of the bushes. Baitfish will be able to hide in the farthest reaches of the root systems. This phase makes it hard for predator fish to feed on them. The game fish will lapse into a lull while they wait out the tide. There are a few tricks to be successful during a high tide. Fishing in the front of the islands is a good start. Remember that an experienced angler has places to fish that work for an outgoing tide and conversely for an incoming tide. Trial and error are the best teachers. When you do find a spot that works for you, try to figure out why and apply it to what you look for in a new spot.
Trout will still be plentiful over the grass flats of Cape Romano. They will also congregate over the grass patches that are in front of the islands. Don’t neglect to work the deeper cuts along the islands. Jigs or popping corks with shrimp will get great results. March is a transitional period. It is not uncommon to catch mackerel, bluefish, ladyfish or any other number of species that will be on the move over the grass flats.
As long as March remains pleasant, the big story will be the giant tarpon. By now, guides and anglers alike will be chomping at the bit for a good battle. Tarpon begin to show up as far south as Flamingo and the back bays to the south of Chockoloskee by the end of February. These fish will make their way to the Ten Thousand Islands, Marco and Naples as well. March, April, May and June are premier tarpon months. Anglers will use a variety of methods to catch them. It helps to have a sense of where to go to pursue giant tarpon. The major majority of tarpon have made a long journey to our area and they have two things on their mind. One goal is to feed and rest. This behavior is also a precursor to spawning. Biologists now know that tarpon spawn offshore. It is up to the wind and currents to carry their fry to the innermost reaches of the backcountry where they fry will grow large enough to return to the ocean.
Tarpon will stage and feed from twenty miles offshore to the most remote back bays in the Ten Thousand Islands and Everglades National Park. You may find them rolling in the major passes. This is a perfect scenario to throw large plugs to them. Stout spinning or casting rods with at least twenty pound test line are the preferred outfits to use. I always use a one hundred pound leader but some folks use lighter material if they are in clear water. Tarpon will go into shallow bays and rest by lying motionless like a log. They are always on the ready for an easy meal. This is when we pole quietly with our skiffs. It is a must to have polarized sunglasses. Twelve weight fly rods are made for this situation. You can also use light lures on a spinning outfit. Flies are presented within inches of the fish. There is nothing more exciting than to see one hundred pounds of fish explode on a three inch fly.
We also anchor our boats in tarpon highways. These are known routes that tarpon take when they come into the islands to rest and feed in the small bays and coves. Most of the time, we will use cut bait on the bottom and sit back and wait for a strike. Tarpon have fantastic olfactory senses and many times it isn’t long before the reel sings as you are hooked up to an out of control fish. Tarpon will produce blinding strong runs. They also jump and cartwheel in the process. You may catch one of our many species of shark that come to our area while you are using this method for tarpon. One thing is sure; cut bait almost always produces big fish.
March may feel the last few cold fronts of winter. These fronts go through the state very quick. They can produce strong winds and cooler temperatures. Be sure to check the forecast and have appropriate clothing. The mornings may be cool. As a rule, it is a time of change. The water temperatures begin to rise in a hurry. These fish are subtropical and all the major backcountry players are coming out of hiding. So put on your game face and get busy. I’ll see you on the water.
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