Fishing Florida in March
The winds of winter have started to die down, The cooler waters have begun to warm. Fish activity for most Florida inshore species has started to increase. These are all signs that it is March in Florida, and that means it is time to get out on the water.
The warming waters in Florida though out March leads to many fish coming back inshore from their winters in deep water and increased activity from those that overwintered in shore.
Key Species
Black Drum and Red Drum (Redfish)
Both Black Drum and Redfish are abundant this time of year. They can be found on flats, bays, along shorelines and up in coastal creeks. The larger fish will often be found near large flats close to channel edges this time of year. Soaking half of a blue crab, a clam or jumbo live shrimp should work well.
Bluefish
Bluefish tend to be found around most of the state in March. The larger fish in Florida are now starting to make their way back up north and can be found just off the beaches on the east coast. ‘While some do not like to eat bluefish (when smaller, they are popular among many anglers), they are still a fun sporting fish. They have strong, flat bodies and an oversized forked tail that make them very strong and fast for their size. Early spring bluefish are most frequently caught on fast moving, brightly colored or reflective lures. Because of their teeth, a light wire leader will help prevent bite offs.
Flounder
By March most of the offshore breeding activities have completed for Flounder. Sandy and Muddy bottoms that are near structure such as pilons and sea walls will frequently hold fish. Look for schools of bait fish in these areas and cast beyond them. Slowly bring your bait back under the school, bouncing the bottom. Flounder can be “polite” strikers and it will only feel like a small bump. Allow the fish a few moments to actually get the bait in their mouth and set the hook!
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper get their common name from the fact that while inshore they can be most frequently found around mangrove shorelines. In March, they can be quite plentiful around the state. Areas like Charlote Harbor, they are one of the stars! Live Shrimp and Mud Minnows are some of the more effective baits.
Pompano
Pompano are migratory and they chase waters around 68-73 degrees. As the waters start to warm in march, pompano will start to move north. They can frequently be caught from the surf, found between the breakers. Clams and Fishbites will work well, but live sand fleas often perform the best.
Sheepshead
The sheepshead bite is still strong around Florida this time of year. As always, fiddler crabs are the best bait for them. Look for Sheepshead around pilons, oyster beds, bridges and piers. Some of the larger inshore fish will be caught this month.
Snook
Snook in the northern sections of their range are becoming more active as the waters start to warm. Farther south, their activity is still strong and they can be found in passes, near mangrove shore lines and near potholes in flats and bays. Snook regulations may vary by region, and some regions may be closed, so be sure to check the FWC website for updates.
Trout
Grass flats in 2-3 foot of water will harbor quite a bit of Speckled Trout in March. The fish will still hang out in deeper water early in the day, but as the water warms they will move up into the flats. Swimbait, curl tails and jerk baits work VERY well for trout, however, the hands down best bait would be a live shrimp under a popping cork.
Whiting
Whiting continue to be a common catch along the beaches of Florida. This fish is quite abundant year round, but march is a very good month for Whiting. Sand fleas, clams or cut/live shrimp fished between breaking waves will produce good numbers of this unregulated species (you can keep up to 100lbs at a time)
Conclusion
March is a great month to get out on the water in Florida. The near perfect weather, warming waters and diminishing winds can lead to some great fishing!
