This month we welcome ‘signs of spring’ both in our gardens and the estuary’s! March is one of my favorite months of the year as our weather becomes consistently warm and my gardens are popping with the bulbs I planted in the fall. Baitfish become more plentiful in the canals, therefore I can enjoy fishing in my backyard!
Springtime is also a great time to freshen up the tackle box and re-spool my reels with fresh braided line. I like to remove all of the lures and spare hooks from the tackle box and either sharpen the hooks or replace them. I will admit that I am not good with keeping my lures and hooks rinsed with fresh water after every use, therefore they tend to rust from the saltwater. I like to use the ‘tournament trailer’ white flash treble hook for my rear hooks on the lures. I feel the fish cannot resist them as the lure lays suspended between each twitch! They come in different sizes depending on the size of your lure.
In previous months, most of my fishing has been from our vessel in Pine Island Sound. When March arrives and our waters start to warm up, I prefer to head to the beaches and fish for the snook that are following the baitfish up to the shoreline. Surf fishing is both fun and a good workout, as you must work your line to keep it taunt with the moving current. I enjoy wearing my waders and getting in the water, but for those of you fishing from shore make sure you stay back far enough that the fish don’t see you! If you can see them, they can see you!
Snook season opens in our gulf waters March 1st – April 30th. The size for harvest should be not less than 28 inches and no more than 33 inches in total length.
Get out and enjoy the beautiful weather and all that our shoreline and gardens have to offer! Gear up for “Spring Fever” fishing and let me know how you’re doing!
This is First Mate Vicki Fisher, of Fish Face Charters, LLC., sending you warm sunshine and colorful gardens in the coming month! If I can be of assistance please do not hesitate to call me at (727) 534-9071 or email fishfacecharters@yahoo.com.