March offers good fishing action!
Capt. Dave Pinkham
March 11, 2009
Venice - Saltwater Fishing Report
March is a great time for catching plenty of fish out on the gulf.
As the water temperatures start warming up, bottom fishing for grouper and snapper may temporally take a back seat to surface and mid-water fishing.
In fact, the latter part of March can offer some of the hottest action of the year.
Each year at about this time, large schools of baitfish usually start showing up offshore of the coastline. With an ample food supply readily available, many different species of larger gamefish will begin to make their appearance just offshore of area beaches.
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 schoolie 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.
Snapper fishing, especially for mangrove snapper will be very good this month. Fishing with natural baits at or near the bottom will produce mangroves. Gearing down to lighter tackle can often mean the difference in getting these wary fish to feed.
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 rush 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 significant structure such as a shipwreck or 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.
Red grouper season will reopen March 15th. This means there should be plenty of big healthy fish anywhere from 20 miles offshore and out. There are lots of ways to catch them, the main thing is just to locate some hard rocky bottom and get your bait down.
Obviously, the month of March is a great time for fishing out on the Gulf of Mexico. 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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