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Venice Inlet and the Gulf of Mexico
Capt. Dave Pinkham
February 27, 2003
Venice - Saltwater Fishing Report
Gulf Fishing Action in March Should Bust Loose!
As the month of February 2003 draws to a close, it definitely appears that the fishing action out on the Gulf of Mexico is really starting to heat up. On just about every offshore fishing trip we ran over the past week the fish were in somewhat of a cooperating mood. This was a pleasant improvement over some of the tougher slow bite days we experienced earlier in the month.
I would suspect the major reason for this dramatic increase in fishing activity is due to the fact that the water temperature of the Gulf has been steadily on the rise. Over the course of one week the temperature gauge on my fish-finder indicated a warming increase of 5 degrees. This brought the surface water temperature on the Gulf up from 61 degrees to 66 degrees. Now, a 5 degrees increase in water temperature may not sound like a lot, but evidently to a grouper this 5 degree change was enough to stimulate them into moving around seeking to fill their bellies.
Looking ahead into the month of March, it's safe to say this warming trend will continue. As it does carry on we can expect fishing to blow wide open over the next month or so.
Following is a sort of fishing forecast for the month of March.
Kingfish should start 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 should open up with plenty of fishing action for all.
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.
Little tunny often show up just ahead of the mackerels as they arrive chasing the migrating schools of bait fish. Locally called bonito, little tunny offer excellent sport for the light tackle angler. Pound for pound they are one of the hardest fighting fish I know of.
Grouper fishing should bust wide open over the next few weeks as the gag groupers show up on area ledges and wrecks. Warming water temperatures should stimulate the gags into feeding. Natural baits fished at or near the bottom is a sure-fire method to catch them.
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 this strange species of fish migrate up the coastline. Often seen swimming at or near the surface, cobia will normally rush a fresh live bait fish 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 around 20 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 ship wreck 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.
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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