By Mike McNamara
March is an odd month to guide in Apalachee Bay. This month, the weather will start to warm and the sunshine will feel awesome. The moderate temperatures will make spring fishing fever burn in the minds of most, but it could be just a little early for the fever. If all patterns hold true, water temperatures will just not climb high enough to make the catching feverish. If the water temperatures do not reach the mid to upper 60s than the winter pattern will be more productive this month.
That simply means if the chill stays this month, keep fishing the river and the holes. Concentrate on the redfish and sheephead bite, and enjoy the river trout bite when you can find them hungry. If we get an extended warm period, and water temperatures start to climb, look for fish to wake up and be very hungry.
Trout fishing in March will get more consistent. Look for the trout to make their way out of the river this month. The lighthouse bars will need to be fished if the water temperatures reach the mid-60s. Bouncing jigs and plastic combinations will work, and it will almost be Cajun Thunder time.
The redfish will still roam the rivers this month and will even be found all the way up to the bridges on Hwy 98. Cut mullet and shrimp will be the best bet. If you make it out to the flats, look for redfish to be concentrated around points and bars. They will still be looking for the warmth of the rising tide on a shell bar, rock pile, or oyster bar.
This month is also a great month to target sheephead. They are in spawn mode this month and should be hanging on the shallow public reefs in the bay. Concentrate in depths of 15 to 30 feet. Do not be surprised to find a nice mix of flounder and sea bass. These are three very tasty fish! The warm weather will produce calm seas. If the wind allows, take a day to explore the clear waters of the bay and bring a few dozen live shrimp for the ride.
March is a transition month, as we all wait for the warm temperatures and hungry fish return to the flats. No weather predictions from the fishing guide, just a promise not to waste a day wishing I was fishing. The skiffs are fueled up and the rods are always ready. The kayaks are rigged and waiting to be launched in search of adventure. It would be a shame to not get on the water this month. Call/text/email if you need help finding some fish.
Captain Mike McNamara
Stmarksout tters.com
red sh@stmarksout tters.com
call/text 850-510-7919