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Venice Inlet and the Gulf of Mexico
Capt. Dave Pinkham
February 24, 2004
Venice - Saltwater Fishing Report
March Offshore Fishing Forecast
Amongst southwest coast Florida anglers, the month of March always seems to usher in with it an abundance of high expectations. For those of us that have experienced first hand how exciting fishing out on the Gulf of Mexico during a bountiful spring king mackerel run can be, I think the best way to describe it would have to be “world-class fishing”.
As the gulf’s water temperatures continue to climb, pounding the bottom for grouper and snapper may temporally take a back seat to surface and mid-water fishing. If the weatherman stays on our side, and this quick warming trend continues, then all heck could break loose sometime during the next month. What this means is some of the fastest non-stop fishing 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 on the spring stage.
Following is a March fishing forecast of the different species of fish anglers along Florida’s southwest coastline can expect to encounter during the next month.
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.
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 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.
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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