West Central Fishing Forecast: March/April

AS SEEN IN THE MARCH/APRIL 2008 ISSUE 

March/April West Central Fishing Forecast: 

By: Captain Marc Noe - Florida Fishing Charters

Over the next two months, the fishing in the West Central Region will erupt as air and water temperatures both begin to climb. The massive influx of bait moving into our region from the south kick the spring season into high-gear, bringing new life once again to area waters.

Spanish mackerel will invade our inshore territory as more and more pods of baitfish move in from the Gulf. These ruthless game fish are crowd pleasers as they provide plenty of action for anglers of all ages. Tossing plugs, spoons, live or freshly cut white-bait into the surface feeding frenzy should bring multiple hook ups. Ladyfish and jack crevalle will also readily take the above mentioned baits in addition to your favorite jigs and soft-plastics.

During the month of March, snook, redfish and trout will be on the move from their winter lairs, and as air and water temperatures continue to climb, you can expect the inshore fishing to be downright spectacular. Now is the time to cash in your sick days at work so you can take part in this incredible bonanza during the week when there is little pressure.

Live bait will be your best bet when trying to get the attention of hungry snook, and chumming the water with stunned scaled-sardines should kick-start a fantastic bite. Fishing around lit docks at night will be best during periods with strong tidal flow. Cast your bait up current, let it ride the tide into the strike zone and hold on!  

Redfish can be found crushing crustaceans around oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and along deeper pot-holes in area grass-flats. Look for the reds to be staged in deeper troughs at low tide before moving onto the flats as the tide begins to flood. I suggest a shrimp or crab imitation; however, live scaled-sardine will also keep you connected with these great inshore game fish.

Trout fishing should continue to improve throughout the region with quality slot-sized fish found on many of our fertile flats. Live pilchards, shrimp, and small pinfish will all produce feisty speck strikes. Soft-plastic baits are hard to beat as well, just match your offering to the hatch. To help conserve and promote a healthy fishery, crimp the barb on your hooks. However, if you plan on keeping a few for the dinner table, know that they do make great table fare when prepared fresh.

Sheepshead should still be chewing on the artificial reefs, rock piles, and crusty bridge and dock pilings through the month of March. Clams, fiddler crabs, and shrimp are all great baits that will entice these bandits to tug on your line. Twenty-pound fluorocarbon leader and just enough weight to get your bait down into the strike zone is the way to go. Also, the use of a small circle-hook or traditional long shank J-hook with a quick hook set is a must at nabbing these crafty bait stealers. Remember that sheepshead in the five pound-plus range are not as subtle as their smaller counterparts. They won’t just pick at your bait; they will hammer it! Be prepared to horse these fish to keep them out of their cozy, unforgiving lairs.  

To the delight of anxious tarpon anglers, it’s not too early to find silver kings. Early season fish can be spotted as they disturb the calm water over deep grass flats in Sarasota and lower Tampa Bay. Patience is critical in this situation and I suggest simply drifting or polling along the flats looking for the slightest clue that fish are around. Once you spot rolling fish, maintain a stealthy approach. Live and artificial baits as well as traditional fly patterns will likely connect you with cooperative individuals.

Until next time, be safe, have fun and be sure to take a kid fishing! 

Capt. Marc E. Noe
Florida Fishing Charters
Cell - (813)363-1743
E-Mail - captmarcnoe@tampabay.rr.com