MARCH 2014

March is a month of transition for both inshore and offshore fisherman in our area. Pelagic species that have been gone all winter will start to show up as the water temperature begins to rise and inshore species will begin to transition out of the river and deeper bayous and canals onto the grass flats. 

No one sees this transition more than the inshore fisherman. The first half of the month the sound and bays will see little change, but as the temperature begins to climb so will the Trout and Redfish activity. Redfish will begin to move on to flats in Escambia and Blackwater Bays as well as around the deeper structure in the sound. The Sheepshead bite will be in full swing this month and can be found around almost any structure in the bays and sound. Most other species will remain in the rivers where the water remains a little warmer, but as the water temperature begins to rise to around 66 to 68 degrees and the baitfish start to show up, this will signal the beginnings of the Spring migration. 

For surf and pier fishermen, the water temperature is the key to how good the fishing will be. However, Pompano, Bluefish, Bonita, Whiting, Sheepshead, Black Drum, and Redfish should be available. The second half of the month is normally a lot warmer; as the temperature improves so should the fishing. During the latter half of the month pelagic species will start to show up such as Spanish mackerel, and maybe even a Cobia or two.

Offshore Reds, Scamp, and Snowy Grouper as well as Amberjack, Blackfin, and Yellowfin tuna will be the hottest bites around. The largest Amberjacks will be in and around 200 feet of water over deep water wrecks as well as closer in around the edge. Top baits will be live hard tails, pinfish and red porgies, however Shimano’s Butterrfly Centre vortex or Slidend, Bomber’s Vamp or Darter, and Williamson Abyss or Benthos jigs all work very well on the AJ’s. The bite should remain good further offshore with the Nipple and the Spur, and Steps good places to start. All locations are proven areas with Wahoo, Blackfin and Yellowfin tuna being the main targets. February brings the best bite bar none for Tuna and Wahoo will be out around the oil rigs.