AS SEEN IN THE MARCH/APRIL 2008 ISSUE 

March/April Northwest Fishing Forecast (Panhandle):

By: Captain John Rivers - Mega-Bite Inshore Fishing Charters

Warmer temperatures and ‘spring fever’ have brought fishermen out of their winter hideaways ready for some exciting action. The best thing about the coming months is that anglers don’t need a boat to come home with a quality catch.

Across the region, as spring progresses, many anglers head straight to the beach - dragging all their equipment either by hand or loaded on a beach cart. With sand-spikes, pyramid-sinkers and sand-fleas, they’re on the pursuit for pompano. The average fish is around two pounds, but don’t be surprised to see a few whoppers tipping the scales to almost five pounds.

To hook up with pompous pompano, cast your jig into the surf and slowly work it near the bottom. Not only do these fish taste great, but pompano are great fighters and provide lots of fun for the entire family.

If a day at the beach isn’t your thing, check out the bridges and dock pilings, and fish for the great-eating fish with the funny teeth and banded stripes – sheepshead. These super-fast bait-stealers can typically be found all along the Panhandle from Port St. Joe to Pensacola Pass. I suggest concentrating your efforts along the region’s rock jetties.

During the latter part of March, countless numbers of sheepshead head offshore to spawn. Before their reproductive rendezvous, they tend to hang out among the jagged rubble and barnacle-encrusted docks to fatten up in preparation of the long journey ahead. The typical set-up for sheepshead is a seven-foot rod matched to a 12-lb. or 15-lb. class spinning reel rigged with a slip-sinker and small Gamakatsu circle-hook. Fortunately for these fish, the shape of their dentures helps them steal the bait off your hook before you even feel a nibble. Having a sensitive rod tip and being outfitted with ultra-sensitive braided line are keys in outwitting these tenacious thieves. The top three baits are live shrimp, Berkley’s crab imitation and freshly shucked shellfish.

Trout have been hiding up in the rivers and deep holes all winter long and by now, will have started to make their way onto the flats as the water temperature continues to rise. Nearing the middle of March and throughout the month of April, the speck bite should be tremendous. I prefer to hit the water early in the day, throwing a top-water in chartreuse or orange and recommend you do the same. As the sun rises on the flats, switch to your favorite soft-body jerk-bait. Mine is an Exude RT Slug in golden bream.

Of course, if it’s spring, it’s time for ling! Yes, I’ve saved the best for last - the annual cobia migration along Florida’s Panhandle. When the temperature reaches the magic number of 65-degrees, you will see boats cruising up and down the beach searching for brown bombers prowling just below the surface. If this year is anything like last, then get ready for some amazing fishing as the cobia action along the Panhandle was off the charts in 2007 – especially off Destin. I heard reports of well-prepared crews hooking as many as 20 fish a day. If I was asked to choose my favorite cobia bait, it would definitely be a live eel. I prefer to rig these slimy baits on a length of Berkley 50lb. test fluorocarbon leader finished off with a Gamakatsu SC17 tarpon hook. Whenever you’re cobia fishing it is always a good idea to have a few rods rigged and ready with a variety of offerings, as these fish can be finicky.

Overall, springtime is a great time to take the family out; the weather is not too hot, but the fishing is heating up fast! See you on the water.

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