AS SEEN IN THE MARCH/APRIL 2008 ISSUE 

March/April  Northeast Fishing Forecast:

by: Captain Jim Hammond - Hammond Fishing Charters

As winter turns to spring, anglers can expect inshore water temperatures to reach the 65-degree mark. With this warming trend, look for a healthy migration of shrimp, minnows and finger mullet to invade local waters. Following this influx of forage are hungry gator trout ready to fatten up before their annual spawn. When fishing Northeast Florida’s inshore waterways during the early spring, it is not uncommon to connect with trout in the five to 10-pound class. These monster yellow-mouths can be enticed throwing an assortment of soft-plastics, crank-baits, live and dead bait – just remember to continue to work your offering slowly and methodically.  

To achieve those spine tingling, hair-raising surface blow-ups, try throwing a four or six-inch Gotcha Shad body rigged on a 4/0 hook. This versatile lure can be worked on the surface or just below it and does a great job at enticing explosive strikes from hungry trout and redfish. The color patterns that have worked best for me are chartreuse, black and silver.

Another quality top-water lure that has consistently proven its effectiveness is the Super Spook. Last year I fished a bone pattern and it worked extremely well - producing savage bites from both redfish and trout.

When plying shallow rocks or submerged oyster mounds near skinny water during the coming weeks, I suggest you fish live white-bait under a popping cork. If white-bait is not an option, my next choice would be a live shrimp presented the same way. The traditional float rig is best fished on a baitcaster style outfit like a Penn International 965 matched with a seven foot Ugly Stik. This combo provides the perfect ammunition to do battle with the big trout and reds you will surely encounter using the old-fashioned float rig technique.

During March and April, anglers should still be able to find a few sheepshead around the rocky inlets. These bait-stealing members of the porgy family can be hooked using fiddler crabs, shrimp, clam or fresh oyster offerings. Catching these great-tasting, banded bad boys is great fun! There is no mistaking when your hook point finds a home as these fish pull hard! Remember to tighten your drag so you can effectively pull these fish from their jagged, unforgiving lairs.

During early spring, Spanish mackerel are a no-brainer to catch. Grab a few Clark Spoons in 00 or 0 size, tie on a piece of 30lb. leader, locate diving birds along the beach, cast along the periphery of the school, and turn the reel handle as fast as you can. When you think you are retrieving the spoon too fast, reel even faster. You’ll never outrun these speedsters. Another option is to deploy a Sea Striker #1 planer (scratch it up with some steel wool and spray paint it flat black to avoid unwanted cut-offs). From the planer, rig 10- to 20-feet of 30lb. leader, attach your Clark Spoon and troll around the outside of the diving birds. When a Spanish mack strikes your spoon, the planer will release and your fish will typically come to the surface.

Whether you are casting to the macks or trolling, I highly suggest you bring an ample supply of terminal tackle as these fish have a mouth full of razor-sharp, serrated teeth just waiting to cut you off. Also, be extremely careful when de-hooking these tasty denizens as their bite can result in a serious injury.

For you offshore folks, expect the dolphin to start showing up by late March around the deeper waters along the inshore edge of the Gulf Stream. Lures that have a history of producing quality catches in these parts include, Sea Strikers, Sea Scoundrels, Tuka Trolls and Penn Tantalizers. You can rig these with a single or double hook in conjunction with a ballyhoo or fresh strip bait. Head for the edge, search for a well-formed weed line, deploy your spread and get ready for exciting battles with game fish that are nothing less than a blast to catch.

Sinker-bouncers should find success in the coming weeks as well. Your favorite reefs and wrecks should produce a mixed bag of grouper and seabass for those willing to invest the time. A variety of live and fresh cut baits will keep you in the game.

Until next time, bent rods and screaming drags! 

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